Credit to Kaylin Mort

On April 15, the boys varsity volleyball team took on Howell for their senior night. Although they eventually lost, they put up a good fight and ended after the fourth set.

On April 15, the boys’ varsity volleyball team lost against the Francis Howell High Vikings on their senior night. The Knights fought hard, taking the game through four sets with three sets going into overtime, but came out with a deficit in the last set. 

“I expected an easy win, but we didn’t come out,” sophomore middle hitter Noah Rowland said. “The small errors stacked up over time. I do think our offense was really well, and we worked well last night, though.”

Even though the Knights did not end up on top, the team saw various aspects of their performance improve throughout the four sets played. 

“I think we adjusted very well because they came out of the game trying to swing, and we were blocking them very well in the game,” senior libero Alex Williams said. “They tried to switch up the game plan and tip, and it took us a while, but we eventually adjusted and started covering the tip well.”

The game, however, wasn’t the only thing on the players’ minds. Prior to the first serve, the senior players celebrated their final season. Decorations, including streamers and balloons were scattered throughout the gym, pictures of players as children were displayed and a ceremony with announcements was held before the game. 

“It felt pretty good,” Williams said. “It’s just a nice thing, seeing everyone there that I’ve been with since I started all that. I had some of my club coaches and coaches from the past show up to watch.”

For many of the seniors, this game meant more than just a win or loss. It meant the beginning of the end. Senior nights oftentimes are an indication of a season, and journey for seniors closing. For many of them, it’s a harsh thing to confront. 

“It means a lot,” Williams said. “I’ve found a lot of my closest friends through volleyball. It’s most of the people I talk to. It’s a lot of my life.”