Cheers were present, tears were shed, but what could you expect, it was senior night. Senior night is the last home game of a high school senior athlete’s career. On October 17, four Riverbend Bears volleyball players took part in their last game at the Bend. Seniors Rebecca Statler, Lauren Lewis, Danielle Deiters, and Shadae Strother played in a very emotional game against Mountain View. Prior to the game there was a very emotional ceremony honoring all of the seniors. All of the other volleyball players formed a line as their senior teammates were announced. Their family members were also there, and gave good luck speeches to their daughters. After that, all of the players warmed up to get ready for their game vs. Mountain View. The Bears beat Mountain View on the road previously in the year, so this should have been no problem for the girls in black, and it wasn’t.

The Bears jumped on top early 7-2, and didn’t slow down. The Bears took the first set 25-14 on their road to victory. During the second set however, Mountain View jumped out to an early 10-5 lead, but the Bears would have none of that. The Bears took the lead on a kill by Strother to make it 19-18, and eventually went on to sweep the game 3-0. Strother led with 10 kills and a block, Statler had 13 digs and 2 kills, and Deiters had 26 assists and 5 kills. Lewis added a kill, from the front of the net, which she was very happy about, because she calls herself “short”. When Lewis was asked how it felt to be playing in her last ever game at Riverbend she said, “It was very emotional because all of the seniors are also all of my best friends, so it’s kind of like a epiphany that I’m not going to see them as often.” Lewis also added this when asked what her favorite moment was over the years, “meeting my friends, because we all got along so well on and off the court.” Lewis has been playing volleyball for six years, and plans to play for Roanoke College. Deiters was also asked how it felt to be playing in her last game here, and she said, “It was sad, but also happy because I know better things will be coming in the future.” Deiters felt that she and her team “worked well together” in the game. Deiters said that her favorite moment over the years was, “pulling a lot of pranks, and dressing up like men.” So, as we say goodbye to our four beloved seniors, we are sad, but also happy, as they look forward to a bigger, and better future.