On Nov. 21, Coral Gables Senior High held its first-ever girls vs. boys volleyball game. Beginning at 1 p.m., students left their seventh-period classes and eagerly packed into the gym. Music filled the room as cheerleaders lined up on either side of the entrance, creating a spirited welcome and competitive atmosphere for the students entering. Players practiced their skills on the court as rows filled with students excited to see the boys clash against the girls for the first time in Cavalier history.
The teams were introduced while players ran around greeting each other, preparing for the game. Players started the game boldly, showing off their wide variety of skills. Music blasted from the speakers, motivating them and keeping the energy high in the crowd. Players spiked, set and dove for the ball, each playing their best to earn every point. After countless impressive saves and intense points, the first half of the game concluded with a close score of 21 to 25, a win for the girls.
“I honestly didn’t expect to have such a good time during what I knew would be just a short game, however, my teammates and I found that our love for the sport transformed every moment into pure enjoyment. It was a unique opportunity to bond with my teammates outside of regular practice, and I wish I had the opportunity to do this again next year,” senior Nicolas Delgado said.
The cheerleaders entertained the crowd with their impressive halftime show. They performed a choreographed chant before showcasing their impressive stunts, leaving the audience in awe. Cheerleaders then returned to the bleachers, entertaining the crowd with sideline chants to keep the energy soaring.
“I had a great time watching our boys compete against the girls’ volleyball team. It was exciting to see the energy put in from both sides as they played, and I’m incredibly proud of the girls for winning. I had a lot of fun learning the different volleyball cheers and rooting for the team from the sidelines,” sophomore Paula Mejia said.
After the performance of the cheerleaders, the master of ceremonies engaged the crowd with various activities. After telling the audience to stand and cheer in order to be selected for the games, students for the first pep rally game were chosen. The game was a volleyball challenge, where teams of students had to hit the ball over the net, retrieve it and pass it to their teammates.
After a close game, students played a new challenge, the balloon game. Here, students had to move back and forth, carrying balloons alongside their teams without touching them, until they brought back the final balloon. Many fallen balloons later, the game was concluded with an undeniable winner. The short intermission of challenges provided the audience with their fair share of entertainment. Finally, the second half of the game resumed.
“The pep rally was an amazing experience. I had so much fun participating in all the activities and cheering with my friends. Each event really added to the excitement and school spirit and I can’t wait for the next pep rally,” sophomore Yolanda Gomez said.
After the girls won the first half, the boys were determined to win the second half. Giving it their all, both teams were as motivated as ever to win the game. As each hit amplified in power, the game remained tied. The audience, on the edge of their seats, cheered loudly, motivating and encouraging the players to give their best in the final moments of the game. With a smashing hit, the girls pulled through and won the second half of the game, beating the boys and claiming ultimate victory.
“Playing against my other Cavaliers was so fun, because it was a light-hearted, fun game. The energy from the crowd and the motivation from my teammates allowed me to enjoy the entire experience. I am so proud that we gave it our all and won the game,” sophomore Natasha Macau said.
The game concluded with a score of 27 to 25, the girls leaving the court victoriously. As every pep rally that has come before, they ended the event with the Cavaliers by reciting the alma mater. Though this lighthearted game is new to Gables, it is sure to become a cherished tradition that the Cavaliers will look forward to in the years to come.
