The tension is high and the crowd is loud as the Tigers make the final kill, winning a 5-set match against the Lady Indians at the home varsity volleyball game last Thursday night. The match started strong and spirits were high as the Indians started with a 2-0 lead against the Ripon Tigers. Despite a confident lead, the Indians fell behind and the Tigers defeated the team with three more very close sets. Senior Violet Lueck says she wanted the game to go better, but felt important nonetheless for the senior recognition. 

“I definitely think it could have gone better for us. We needed more communication and losing in five sets is always the worst,” Lueck said. 

Thursday night’s game was also Senior Night for the volleyball team, with each of the playing seniors contributing their specific skills. Right away in the first set, Lueck and senior Gabi Reiser had very powerful kills against the Tigers and they continued that throughout the entire match. Senior Kaylee Olson also had numerous forceful serves from behind the line, serving multiple times in a row throughout each set. In addition to their accomplishments in the game, head coach Eydie Reiser says this year’s seniors have also shown many fine characteristics off the court. 

“The seniors have brought great energy and effort to our team. They have a lot of heart and are trying to pass that along to the whole squad,” Reiser said. 

There were also many successful passes by seniors Grace Werch and Kara Fritz throughout the match and multiple effective blocks by senior Cecilia Bruce-DeMuri. Senior Maddy Rilling also had numerous opportunities to shine throughout Thursday night’s game, showcasing her abilities with some kills from the front row and with her leadership on and off the court. 

“I hope to leave behind something positive for the teams that follow. I also hope that girls recognize how to be a leader and can step up when this year’s seniors are gone,” Rilling said. 

Reiser says the seniors gave it all they had Thursday night, still playing a good game despite the loss. They got the recognition they have been working for, including managers Keziah Fredenburg and Alexa Fleegal who have consistently cheered on their teammates throughout the season. 

“I will miss these girls a lot–I have seen them grow in all areas of their lives and I hope they remember the life lessons that we have tried to teach them through volleyball and live an outstanding life,” Resier said. 

The team’s next game is tomorrow night at Mayville with a theme of tie dye.