Vandal women’s volleyball wrapped up the season with a loss on Saturday night. But it wasn’t just another loss. For five graduating players, it was a good ending to a challenging season in Memorial Gym.
Apologizing for getting choked up afterwards, senior libero Alaina Lacey thought this was the best match they’ve played.
“It feels so good just to end on a good note with my teammates,” Lacey said. “We all played well together — we just ended on a good note.”
Challenges behind the scenes, like injuries and their bout with COVID-19, proved to make this semester tough for the Vandals. But, while the record doesn’t show it, they’ve overcome a lot together, Lacey said.
Vandals went up against No. 2 in the Big Sky: the University of Northern Colorado. Vandals (5-20) met the Lumberjacks (21-6) with only two conference wins, compared to 12.
Bears took the first two sets, and the Vandals responded by winning the third. But the Bears took the fourth and won the match 3-1.
Coach Debbie Buchanan said the Vandals fought hard throughout the match, doing particularly well on blocking. Idaho tallied 18 blocks compared to 12 from the Bears.
“I think obviously none of us wanted to end the season this way with the record that we have,” Buchanan said.
After the match, Lacey and four other graduating players were honored for senior night: middle blocker Nikki Ball, setter Peyten Ely, outside hitter Rachel Mills and defensive specialist Becca Owen. Smiles, tears and group photos set the scene for the bittersweet night. Players embraced on the court, reflecting on all their time together.
Lacey said she’ll never forget the relationships forged from challenge and triumph this season. With it, she’ll especially miss the environment of Memorial Gym, with a cheering crowd behind them.
Cody Roberts can be reached [email protected] or on Twitter @CodyRobReports