Masuk Free Press

The Masuk Girls Volleyball game against Oxford on Oct. 24 was a tough one. The match had spectators on the edge of their seats, eyes glued to the court. 

“I’m really excited for tonight’s game,” says sophomore Laura Micu, “Oxford is a good competition.” 

Tension filled the stands as the scoreboard played tug of war all night. However, despite the game’s outcome, the fans’ shouts and cheers energized the athletes: “I loved the energy that everyone brought tonight, especially the crowd,” states senior Carly Snyder. Masuk students rattled the bleachers as they cheered for their favorite girls volleyball team. The fight took all night but Masuk spirit stayed afloat despite the sinking loss. 

Oxford took the lead but they did not enjoy the victory for long; after trial and error, sophomore player Sophie Gustinis brought the first tie in period one. Oxford, intimidated by her blow, fumbled up and got an out, putting Masuk in the lead. However as Laura said, “Oxford is good competition”, she wasn’t wrong. The period ended with a score of 23 home and 25 guest

Masuk stayed optimistic, period two began, and players changed courts. Masuk took a two point lead. The athletes and the crowd were ecstatic to see their girls take an early lead, but as the period continued, the fight for the win ended with a score of 21 home, and 25 guest.

As period two transitioned to three, the score wasn’t looking good, five minutes into the game and Oxford had a seven point lead. However, as they say, pride can be a negative force in society. Oxford let their guard down in some instances, opening the opportunity for Masuk to catch up. Senior Lucy Pagel sent a sturdy spike with the ball and made the score home 17 and guest 16. Since then, Masuk had the upper hand for a majority of the period. 

The stands were quiet, the players serious. The intimidating score of 24-24 made the entire gym hold their breath. The end of the game made the spectators stand on their toes. However, as period three ended Masuk lost with a final score of home 25 and Oxford 27.

Despite the loss, the gym was filled with pride for the Masuk girls volleyball team and the incredible fight they put up against Oxford. 

Moreover, it was the team’s annual senior night. Seniors Lucy Pagel, Carly Snyder, Jenna Dattilo, and Rose Kealy all got the recognition they deserved from the crowd, for the many years of hard work they put in for the team. 

“I’ve been playing volleyball since middle school and all four years of high school, I love it! “ explains Snyder. 

Decorated in hues of red, white, and black, streamers and balloons filled the Masuk gym. The seniors, decorated themselves, wore scarves of feathers, and red hats accented with jewels. They truly shined that night.

The seniors holding flowers, and tears, stood with their parents and their team. Engraving this special moment into their mind. They have watched many seniors go, but tonight, it was their turn for the bitter-sweet moment. 

“The seniors are a huge part of the team,”  says Micu, “It is great to have a night to honor them, and make memories with them and the team,” 

It truly was a special night for the Masuk girls volleyball team, the spirit of joy maintained through the night. The loss only made the team stronger, and the athletes seemed excited for the remainder of the season and states. The best of luck to the seniors and their bright futures, as well as the rest of the team.