Baskets full of gifts and mementos lined the ground, adorned with bouquets, posters, and balloons. Coach Dan Jurkowski faced the bleachers as he thanked the crowd for arriving and celebrating tonight’s occasion as he led into the ceremony for the Girls’ Volleyball senior night.
“I sat with these girls for four years in so many cities. Whether we were all crying, asleep, or singing, those were experiences I will miss and forever cherish! Everyone was so happy and feeling nostalgic. It made me feel very grateful for the people I met during my time playing volleyball,” senior Raquel Ferreira emotionally stated.
Seniors Ly Nguyen, Raquel Ferreira, Maliya Kazadi, who is also a Senior Lead Reporter for The Blue and Gold, then Senior Captains Sherley Jeune, and finally, Aaliyah Ferreira were called one by one, followed by Jurkowski dedicating a small remark to each senior. Flashes flickered, and cameras shuttered; friends, family, alumni, and the volleyball team rushed from the sidelines to gather in for group pictures.
In a light-hearted spur of the moment, Raquel and Aaliyah Ferreira stepped to the side to sing their own rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner, which was met with applause from the audience and opposing team, which led right into their match against Lowell.
This match against Lowell marked the girls’ volleyball team’s 20th match, and their last match in the regular season before their preliminary match in States. Up to this point, the team’s record was 11-8, which begged the question: would this match end in victory or loss?
The first set, and ultimately the first rally, began with Malden’s serve from Raquel Ferreira, which gained Malden the first point. The set quickly drew to a halt, as Kazadi faced a potential injury after the volleyball ricocheted against the side of her face. However, Kazadi persevered, setting Malden’s determined spirit for the rest of the match.
As the set progressed, both teams played to their best efforts, which was made obvious by their neck-and-neck scores. Malden would gain the first set over Lowell after an ace from Kazad with a final score of 25-23.
Lowell began the second set serving before losing the point to Malden after dropping the ball. Things were looking great for Malden; having won the first set and the first point, they were en route to a marvelous match.
Any further points eventually stagnated for Malden, as Lowell would continuously accumulate points, gapping the scores by a significant lead. Malden would eventually come back, albeit not enough to win the set. Lowell would win 25-21. Now tied at 1-1, both teams were at high stakes.
A half-time intermission followed; the bleachers emptied while both players and guests retreated for a quick break. With both teams refreshed, the third set began with Malden’s possession, which was served by sophomore outside hitter and defense specialist Sabrine Harrzaguia. The first rally would once again go to Malden after Lowell sent the ball out of bounds.
Much like the previous set, Malden would face a pause in their scoring, allowing Lowell a significant lead ahead of them. However, skillful play from Malden would tie the score at 20-20. Eventually, the set would conclude 25-22, with an ace on Lowell’s side.
Uncertainty filled the air as the scoreboard displayed MALDEN: 1, GUEST: 2. The audience from Malden sat, wondering if this would be the last set or if Malden would make a comeback.
Lowell began the fourth set by serving, which would gain them the first rally due to Malden’s unsuccessful serve receive. This set would be the most anticipated one of the night. Malden quickly led the set, setting the score at 10-3. Lowell’s offense persisted, playing assertively and catching up to the Tornados, this time leading the scoreboard.
An intermission was called–the scoreboard sat at 16-12, with Lowell ahead by four points.
Tension and nerves filled the gymnasium. The scoreboard continued to tick up, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. Another time-out was called at 24-19. Then 24-20, and finally, 25-20.
Unfortunately, Malden would lose the final set.
Their loss was not in vain; “friends and family coming to support” was the most important part, stated Nguyen.
“Life isn’t fair, and at times things will seem like they can’t come back up. It will. Just believe in yourself,” Nguyen declared. This sentiment from Nguyen was quickly reflected, as seniors, friends, and family lined up against their respective posters, quickly shifting the mood from their loss.
Group by group, individuals shuffled out of the gym, leaving the court empty and full of melancholy as the team played its last game of the season.
“As Junior Captain, I am definitely going to miss these seniors a lot,” reminisced Hadassa Pierre-Rene, a reminder of her important role leading into next year.
Junior Xiaohui Li would walk off the court, expressing, “I’ll miss the way they would lead our team and lift anyone if they were feeling down.”
“Throughout the season, they taught me how to be aggressive in every play but, at the same time, be controlled,” Li continued.
With everything happy, there comes an end. Live in the moment, and embrace each moment a little bit more.
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