Seniors say goodbye
Goodbyes are always tough. For three seniors on the volleyball team, this goodbye contained a commemorative ceremony and their last home game.
John Pfortmiller
Issue date: 11/16/09 Section: Sports
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Senior Night started the same as any other volleyball game - warm-ups and pep talks with the coaches. However, just before the 7 p.m. start, the three seniors were called onto the court as their accomplishments were read aloud.
"The whole thing was weird in a way because I remember when I was a freshman and this was the last time to play in front of family and friends," Gettinger said.
This final chance to play in front of the home crowd put the Roos up against the Southern Illinois University - Edwardsville Cougars.
The seniors did not want to disappoint friends and family during their last chance to impress at home.
The first set started with the Cougars putting the Roos on defense immediately. The Roos managed to gain and hold onto a lead, winning the set, 25-22. Set two was a neck-and-neck battle for points.
The Roos managed to pull through once again and won the set, 25-22.
The final set seemed nerve-wracking for the Roos. It was the only time the Cougars gained a lead (12-11). Through coordination and determination, the Roos pulled out a 25-19 win. They won the match, 3-0.
"The experience of Senior Night was kind of sad," Karlstrom said. "But it was a good thing that we went out with a win like that."
The Roos, especially the seniors, were greeted with cheers from family members, friends, coaches and classmates following the win.
Even though the end of the game was an exciting win, there were mixed feelings for the seniors after the rush of winning at home was gone.
"It was nice to end the season and home career on a win," Hagerman said. "It's a bittersweet ending, but it's been good to me."
With the end of the season rapidly?approaching,?thoughts amongst the spectators moved on to how the team will perform without the powerhouse trio of seniors, especially 2008 MVP and 2007 Offensive Player of the Year Hagerman.
"It's nice that they think highly of me and the other seniors," Hagerman said. "But they'll be fine without us. They've got more than enough talent on the team to do well."
jpfortmiller@unews.com
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