Emotions high as coed volleyball season comes to end

Senior+Nadia+Meyerovich+receives+a+gift+from+coach+Mary+Malinaukas+during+senior+night+festivities.

Photo by Eli Umar

Senior Nadia Meyerovich receives a gift from coach Mary Malinaukas during senior night festivities.

The coed volleyball team had a strong season, going 4-4 on the year. Head Coach Mary Malinaukas pushed them to get in shape and peak performance. On April 27 the team had their senior night celebration versus Magruder. The squad decorated the gym, making posters, and cutouts of seniors Nadia Meyerovich and Kyle Jordan’s heads to show their love and support for the seniors final home game. 

The team showed out on senior night, defeating Magruder 3-0. “It was emotional for me; playing my last game in this uniform is certainly a sensitive topic, my teammates are incredibly special to me and I’m so fortunate to have gone through my last ride with this group of individuals,” Meyerovich said. 

Although this is the last dance for the seniors, the memories that they made within this program will never be forgotten. “I love this team, I love my coaches, I love this sport. Volleyball has helped me become the man I am today. I will always love this sport and will cherish every moment that I have spent with this amazing group of people,” Jordan said.

As the regular season wraps up, the Patriots set their focus on the playoffs in hopes of making a run to the County championship. They practice every day of the week, and on Saturday as well to get themselves in the best possible form in order to make a run. The squad was given Quince Orchard in the first round of the playoffs. The team lost to Quince Orchard in the playoffs last season so this is a revenge spot for the Patriots. Tensions were high as the seniors knew that this could actually be their last game ever if they do not win. The seniors especially are emotional for this game because they know that the sport that they have always loved is coming to an end. 

The team lost in the first round of playoffs to Quince Orchard in a match to five sets, losing the final set 15-13 in a back-and-forth game to cap off the season. It was a hard-fought match but the Patriots came up just short of victory. The Patriots played to the best of their ability in this close match and they should be proud of everything they have accomplished this season.

Although the season is over, returning players are pumped for next season and can’t wait to show their opponents what they’ve got. Captain Bella Bargman plays club volleyball for MVSA when high school volleyball is not in season and she is working hard to do everything she can to lead this team to success next season. “I will be working extra hard and I will help my teammates work hard in order to help this team be more successful. We had a good year but did not meet our goal. Next year [we will] aim for a county championship and will settle for nothing less,” Bargman  said.