On Oct. 4 at 7 p.m., the Cavaliers Girls Varsity Varsity Volleyball team played the Lady Braddock Bulldogs in their final game of the season. This game was dedicated to all of the senior players and one that all Cavalier volleyball fans have been waiting for. As Coach Monica De la Vega said, this year’s seniors are special in that “they all bring something new and different to the game.”  Traditionally, Senior Night includes a small party for the team after the athletic event. The Junior Varsity team received food and the underclassmen each pick a senior to give a present to in order to commemorate their influence on the team.

The gym was filled with posters, balloons, and streamers honoring the players, only making the Senior Night experience that much more emotional. Although the first game of the match started with Gables in control early on, the Lady Bulldogs fought back and were a definite challenge to the Lady Cavs. One of the honored seniors, Kaylin Yudice, scored several points on her serves for Gables, but Braddock would rise to the challenge and overcome their deficit to win Game 1 by a score of 25-22.

The beginning of Game 2 for the Lady Cavs was heavily influenced by senior Isabella Morina, who played her heart out, scoring several times with her powerful spikes. Panning out similarly to the way Game 1 did, Game 2 saw the continuous exchange of points on either side. Despite several valiant efforts by the Lady Cavs to reclaim a substantial lead, they would fall behind in Game 2, again by a score of 25-22.

Braddock winning Games 1 and 2 did not stop the Cavaliers from playing their best. There was a visible loss in team morale early in Game 3 and Gables continued to falter early on. However, junior Angelica Sorensen put the team on her shoulders, stimulating the team’s offense. Sorensen brought back the team’s spirit by blocking several scoring attempts by the opponent.  The offense burst out when it needed to most, and Gables took Game 3 by a decisive score of 25-12.

“I was really worried about what was going to happen during Game 3. I was scared they wouldn’t make it past the third game and lose on their Senior Night at home,” junior Isabel Jaen said.

After the comeback during Game 3, it was anyone’s game. Braddock had the lead early in Game 4, but the Lady Cavs’ offense forced Game 5 in what was a well-fought game, ending with a score of 25-20. On the cusp of a victory and their season now on the line, the Lady Cavs came together and discussed their plan for the do-or-die elimination game.

Game 5 once again featured a consecutive exchange of points on either side. The defense showed up when it counted most and following a series of blocks and spikes from Angelica Sorensen, the Lady Cavs ultimately prevailed and won on their Senior Night, taking three out of five games.

“I knew that, although they were playing pretty well, the Lady Cavs had the first two games slip away from them. However, I am glad that they came back in the way they did. The crowd was awesome with the JV team supporting them all the way. It was an overall awesome game and awesome experience,” junior Rodney Michel said.

Overall, both teams played an incredible match. With the loss, the Lady Braddock Bulldogs drop to an 8-9 record and the Lady Cavaliers, despite the emotional and heartfelt victory on their senior night, are ineligible for post-season contention with their record of 6-12. Nevertheless, the 2018 Senior Night for the Coral Gables Cavaliers Girls Volleyball team was a game to remember.