Summit girls volleyball faced Mountain View on Oct 17. It was an exciting game held at Summit. The senior night ceremony started at 6 p.m with many families and friends of the players attending decked out in pink, the theme of the game.
The ceremony was bittersweet. Each senior was announced, given flowers and had a family photo taken. The dads of seniors on the team wore matching Hawaiian shirts with their daughter’s face on them.
After the seniors were celebrated and acknowledged, the girls were ready to start playing their last home game of their high school career.
The game was emotional for Summit senior Abby Toolan. She has played volleyball for over ten years and has been a part of the program since her freshman year. Toolan is a setter and right side hitter.
“Home games are definitely one of the best parts of playing volleyball for Summit and experiencing my last home game was so heartbreaking, but so fun. [During] our last game, I had a blast and never wanted it to end and looking around the gym reminded me of all the support I have around me and how many memories I will have to look back on,” said Toolan.
Summit lost their first set which caused a stirring in the gymnasium. The student section was fairly big, though the girls soccer game was also happening which caused the crowd to split between games. Even though the student section was smaller than usual, the energy was electric.
Throughout the four sets, the team was dedicated to winning their last home game. The second and third matches were close calls, but Summit senior Avery Ruhl stepped up and served an ace which made the storm win the third set. In the fourth set senior Lyla Gilchrist had a kill allowing the Summit storm win their fourth set, ultimately winning the overall game.
The emotion in the gym was vibrant as the whole team and student section swarmed with the chant “I believe that we have won.” Tears were shed, photos were taken and hugs were shared. The Summit volleyball seniors embraced their last memories with their high school in what is sure to be a memorable game.
