![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
The varsity volleyball team had their senior night on Wednesday, Oct. 4, against the Lakeridge Pacers. That was the team’s last home game, and they ended the game by winning three out of four sets. According to OSAA, the Lions are now ranked 19th in the state with six league wins and three league losses.
To highlight the seniors, the team had a ceremony before the event started. Also during the player roster announcements, the Associated Student Body
(ASB) set up a spotlight, blacklights, and other extra lights to help make the night more memorable.
The seniors on the team are Sabrina Shelofsky, defensive specialist, Olivia Doel setter, Caroline Nielsen, defensive specialist, Haddie Roms defensive specialist, Jillian Colarchik middle blocker, and Alana Ryan, middle blocker.
With the loss of Ruby Michelon, Olivia Trobestky, Taylor Bell, Addison Hoover, and Amya Semau, all seniors, from the team, this year’s upperclassmen became the new leaders
Doel’s father, John Doel, was a lineman during the game and helped in all four of the sets.
“We’ve had a couple of key injuries, but a really fun season,” John Doel said. “The group of girls that’s been playing together for a long time gets the chance to start [the game] and support each other.”
The team now has three league and six non-league games left in the season. The roster consists of 15 players, including Allison Hawk, junior, Kennedy Toomer, sophomore, Heidi Goehring, sophomore, Alexa Cornell, junior, Amelia Haj, sophomore, Claire Johnson, junior, Abbie Bevilacqua, freshman, Molly Smith, sophomore, and the seniors.
“[Volleyball is] a sport that requires a lot of energy and a lot of attitude,” Doel said. “A lot of positive energy can make a difference in the game because it’s a close-knit sport, and the chemistry makes a difference. It’s not just an individual sport.”
