Spirits were high before the game had even begun and team huddles formed as players found a secluded spot together on the court, all in preparation for Enloe’s annual Volleybros tournament. The game was held in Enloe’s east gym on Friday, January 26th after school and was split up into teams by grade. Music blasted through the speakers as everyone warmed themselves up with practice. Tensions were high with everyone being in the gym with a clear goal: to win.
With sophomores on the left and the seniors on the right, the blow of the whistle signaled the start of an intense game. Some of Eagle’s Eye’s very own represented the senior team, Enloe Now Editor Akshat Yadav and Editor-in-Chief Wyatt Gessner, and it was clear the whole team was excited about the upcoming play. The seniors quickly took the lead as they racked up points, kicking the first game off with high energy. The sophomore team didn’t let up; despite the score, they kept up the pace and encouraged each other. The team’s leader, sophomore Halisi Ellis, played her part well. She gave the squad constant encouragement from the sidelines and kept up optimism within the team. “I really enjoyed seeing the boys put so much effort into the game and really working hard trying to win while also having fun.” Even though they lost the round 10-15, the positivity and sportsmanship could be felt even off the court.
The next game on the slate was freshman versus juniors. Due to a shortage of freshman players, Eagle’s Eye staff writer Malone Bridgers joined the ninth graders, along with Eagle Club president Kaitlyn Allen. Both teams played fiercely, delivering a bevy of high-fives and covering for teammates who fell short on a volley. Despite not being ninth graders themselves, Bridgers and Allen still gave their all to the team and helped to keep the energy and enthusiasm. “I really enjoy seeing student-athletes being supported by their friends, which is why I love my job as Eagle Club president,” said Allen. The buzzer rang through the gym signaling the end of the round, and the freshman grabbed the win, edging out the juniors 15-10.
Tough efforts were made in the final round as the seniors and freshmen went head-to-head. Strong passes were made by the upperclassmen and even stronger serves returned from the scrappy underclassmen. The match was finally tied at 14, making it a tight game—at one point a freshman player even dove across the court to save the ball from hitting the ground. Drake played in the background as the game came to an end. The seniors won after hitting the final point to put their score at 20.
The winners embraced as the final buzzer rang, jumping up and down in celebration. Wyatt Gessner recounted the winning moment, “It was really fun. Everyone was cheering each other on and jumping on the sidelines. It was also really fun to see our classmates come to cheer us on.”
Ultimately, it was a great viewing experience, with a good crowd and a clear air of support and enthusiasm from everyone involved. As the Eagle Club President herself said, “I’d rate the event a 10/10!”
