After the juniors came out dominating every aspect of the first match, the seniors rallied back to win the next two and keep the reign and tradition of seniors beating the juniors in the annual macho volleyball game. The seniors gained and used momentum after many spikes from Tate Hallock and Jay Shields over and over again to defeat the juniors 2-1.

The first match was back and forth the entire time; when the score was tied at 20, the seniors won a crucial point after a long rally. The rally had both teams’ benches and most of the fans on their feet, but the juniors bounced back to earn 5 of the next 6 points and win the match 25-22.

One reason the juniors had so much success was the serving consistency from Grant Adrianse; however, the biggest part of the juniors’ success had to do with the play of Mitchell Wilkinson in the middle. Mitch had the most spikes out of any player from either team, he chased down any ball that was near the floor, and he brought energy and intimidation for his team.

“Mitch played amazing,” junior Ryan Andrews said. “He definitely carried us during the first game and really the whole time.”

The second game had a different feel from the start; the seniors, especially Tate and Jay, brought energy to their team to win 25-16. Spikes were the biggest part to the team’s success, and for Tate they came easy. At 6’3 and having incredible jumping ability, he’s built for spiking.

“It was fun beating the juniors,” Tate said. “Spiking it on Mitch was the most exciting part for sure.”

The third game was more of the same for the seniors. After taking an 11-3 lead, the seniors didn’t give up the lead for the entire game and ended up winning the third and final game 25-21. Serving from senior Kyle Collar was the team’s best part of this match and kept the momentum rolling.  

“I think the momentum after the second game was on our side,” Jay said. “Kyle Collar serving was part of the reason we were so successful.”

The win for the seniors was huge because of bragging rights, and the game was a great way to start Winterfest week.

“I think this was a great way to start off Winterfest week,” senior coach Tessa Guerre said. “A lot of people came out to support us, which helped us with our energy and led us to win against the juniors.”