Varsity Girls Volleyball Stages Comeback on Senior Night

“We stopped focusing on the deficit and started focusing on the next point, the next play and what we could control,” head coach Kaija Watts said. “The girls trusted each other, worked hard for one another and refused to let the match define them before it was over. That ability to become something bigger than ourselves is what allowed us to fight our way back.”

And fight they did.

The Panthers won the fourth set in decisive fashion en route to a thrilling 3-2 (25-19, 20-25, 12-25, 25-13, 15-9) victory at the Fonseca Center.  

“Even though we were down and the third set didn’t go how we wanted to, we still found ourselves back and kept fighting,” said Bojana Djurdjevic ’28, who led Masters with 11 kills and a .370 hitting efficiency. “In moments like these, it’s always most important to stay positive and try to get the best out of the whole team. Everybody was supportive on and off the court. We were all very happy that everyone got the chance to play. This game was a great reminder for us to stay together as a team when it gets tough.”

It was also Senior Night for the Panthers, making the outcome that much sweeter.

“Senior Night is already an emotional night, and being able to come away with a win like that made it even more special,” Watts said. “This team has put in so much work, and to see them rewarded for that effort, especially when things got a bit rocky early on, was really special. More than anything, I was proud of how they continued to believe in themselves and each other.”

Watts highlighted the performance of senior Sophie Ricks (two kills and .333 hitting efficiency) as a key to the win. 

“In terms of heart, Sophie Ricks has been an undeniable leader, consistently giving her all to this team whether she's on or off the court,” Watts said. “She's someone who brings energy, supports her teammates and leads through her effort and commitment to the group. This was an especially meaningful game for her as a senior and she played with everything she had.”

Ari Crane ’28 was Masters' top serving threat, notching 21 serves, six aces and a 3.16 serve rating. In serve receive, Malli Gurunathan ’28 recorded 17 receptions with a 2.38 passing rating.

Marcelle Clunie ’29 added 21 assists and nine digs, while Jessica Grant ’28 and Cammy Kluge ’30 anchored the defense with eight digs apiece.

The Panthers will look to build on the momentum heading into Friday's match at Dalton at 4:30 p.m. 

“We want to continue playing with confidence, consistency and power while holding ourselves accountable to the expectations we've set for this program,” Watts said. “Winning matches like this is exciting, but what's even more important is what we learn from them. I want us to keep getting better, keep pushing one another and understand that the work doesn't stop after a big win. We have to keep earning it every time we step on the court.”