On Tuesday night, Rosary’s volleyball seniors dawned their Royal uniform for the very last official time. Oct. 13 marked senior night for volleyball’s six seniors: Sophia Hagerman, Brooke Kizziar, Sloane La Brie, Delaney Mihelich, McKenna Overman, and myself, Keira Sarni.

Last weekend, Rosary’s volleyball team competed in the OC Invitational Tournament and went undefeated with a 5-0 record. This is the first time that Rosary’s volleyball team has won a tournament in very many years. This impressive victory was a great lead into Tuesday’s senior night.

The night started off with a lunch for the six seniors, their families, and coaches. We snacked on Mediterranean food and shared our excitement for the game before getting ready.

At the start of the game, my fellow seniors and I gave a rose to the Monarch seniors of Mater Dei. We were then presented to the crowd, walking out with our parents. We walked out one by one, snapped a few pictures with our parents and coach, Filip Tomicic, and listened to one of our teammates talk about us. We all received a bouquet of red and gold roses and a customized picture and frame featuring all of the seniors to commemorate the past four years in the program. Senior Brooke Kizziar said, “When I walked across the gym with my parents at my side and listening to the heartwarming speeches of memories made together the past few years, I thought ‘Wow, this is really it. My last game ever.’ After the game, it was really quite emotional knowing I’ll never get to play with these amazing girls again.”

The stands were packed with family, friends, and supporters of Rosary volleyball. Many friends made posters to support the seniors on their night, including a poster that said “Go Sophia Hangerman” instead of Hagerman.

Rosary’s varsity volleyball team battled a tough game against the Mater Dei Monarchs. Although we did lose, the sets were close in points, with one set going all the way to 24-26. Senior Sophia Hagerman commented on her experience at senior night saying, “The game was really fun! Even though we didn’t win, I think everyone played their hardest and I’m extremely grateful to everyone that came out to support the team.”

The end of the game was bittersweet for everyone. Several seniors, including myself, started to well up and reflect on the past four years of games, memories, sweat, and tears. I actually ended up being the last one to leave the gym because it was so hard to say goodbye to such a big and memorable part of my life.

While nothing is confirmed until this Saturday, it is likely that Rosary’s volleyball team will make it to CIF playoffs this year, so Rosary’s seniors might have another few games left after all. Rosary volleyball has not won CIF playoffs in quite a while, so it would be amazing to end our time with the program on such a high note. Either way, I’m so grateful for these girls and cannot wait to see what amazing things they do in the future!