On the night before Halloween, the Lady Rams set, bumped, and spiked their way to victory over their aggressive rivals, the East Leopards. In only three suspenseful games, the Highland varsity girls’ volleyball team won their senior night game with pride, winning the games 25-22, 25-23, 25-14.

The competition was rough and the emotions were high. Prior to the game, each of the four senior girls was honored with their parents for completing their final year with the team. Flowers and candy leis were bestowed upon the girls by their coach and teammates. For junior Bailey Mueller, it was a bitter-sweet night knowing it was the last time she would get to play with some of her best friends.

“They are the most influential overall. They are sort of the people who bring the team up when everyone is down,” Mueller said about her senior teammates.

It’s clear that this team cares about each other. Their relationships are personal and family-like, based on spirit and unity. They proved this on the court by supporting each other with personalized handshakes and cheers for one another. Both fans and players could be found teary eyed throughout the night.

Senior Emily Saunders helped carry the team through the close battle with East. Near the end of the second game, the score was tied at 23. The anxiety of the players could be felt throughout the gym. Onlookers knew that whichever team scored the next two points would have the inside track to coming out on top. When an East player spiked the ball, fast and hard, to the back of Highlands’s court, it seemed certain they would score. However, Saunders flew to the ground, digging hard and making one of the most impressive moves of the night.

“I looked down and my arms just picked it up,” Saunders said.

Cheers erupted in the stands, and the team embraced.

Such effort by the team was seen throughout the entirety of the match. During the especially close second and third games, neither team led by more than a few points. The impressive victory led to a great conclusion of the season for the Lady Rams.

Although the team did not make the playoffs, the youth of the team will provide a solid core for the future.