On Oct. 17 our women’s volleyball team hosted Jefferson for the last home game of the season. Students and fans were dressed from head to toe in black clothing to match the glow night theme for the awaiting senior night game.
IBW played a dominant game against Jefferson, winning in three straight sets. This win continues to show the great season this team is having, with a PIL league record of 6-1 and an overall record of 19-8, according to OSAA.
The big event of the night — the senior ceremony — took place before the game. This year, seniors Zoe Mish, Morgan Hutchinson, Olivia Mersereau, Chloe Nelson, Nya Long, Ellie Brown and Carly Straub were honored.
To follow the theme of glow night, the lights were turned off for the ceremony, with fans waving, handed out glow sticks. Each senior stood in front of the bleachers with their family and a bright spotlight shining on them. They were given gift baskets and signs made by families and the other players of the team while the announcer gave a personal speech to each senior about their life as a volleyball player and plans for the future.
The festivities and significance of this game made it no ordinary game for the players. “This night means a lot to me, it’s mostly the people that make it so special,” said Straub. “Mark [the head coach] has been such a great coach for so long and all the other seniors and other players, we just mesh so well and it has been such a fun season.”
The starting lineup consisted of all seniors, continuing the festivities of senior night. IBW quickly took the first point and a lead of 6-3. However, Jefferson patiently closed the gap making the score 16-11. IBW and Jefferson had many exciting, and close, rallies, but IBW refused to let up. Ultimately, junior Kira Krueger scored the 25 point, taking the first set for the Guardians.
The second set started with a point from Lucia Hagen, a junior, and IBW soon got a lead of 10-4. Jefferson was having difficulty defending IBW, who showed no signs of slowing down. IBW kept scoring point after point, bringing the score to 18-4. IBW took the second set as well, with a final score of 25-12.
In the beginning of the third set, IBW and Jefferson traded the lead for the first couple of points, yet IBW was able to regain control and built up a six-point lead. They didn’t lose any momentum as they continued through the third set, with Straub hitting a powerful spike for the 17 point. In the end, IBW won the third set, winning the game.
When the last point was scored, the IBW team was met with loud cheers from fans on both the student and family bleachers, as well as the entirety of the team rushing onto the court. Upper and underclassmen alike were tearful but excited, showing the whole gym the love these players have for each other.
IBW is currently ranked at #21 in the state, according to OSAA. With one game left in the season, the likelihood of the Guardians making the state playoffs is high. Their last game is at McDaniel on October 19 at 6:30 pm.
