Girls varsity volleyball: Lady Cowboys win 3-0 against Hollywood Hills on Senior Night

BY OLIVIA LEWIS

Posters, flowers and balloons filled the stands, as this was one of the most exciting nights for the team. The families of all the Cooper City volleyball players piled into the mini-gym, waiting for the girls to take the court.  Senior night was about to begin for the girls varsity volleyball team.

Out of the entire varsity volleyball team, there were only four seniors. Megan Hernandez, Emily Miranda, Sam McVay and Rebecca Smitherman all walked on the court with their friends and families. Each senior received flowers and got to take a picture with their loved ones under the red and black balloons. The remaining players on the team formed two lines and held up roses, in honor of their seniors. However, something exciting happened to one of the seniors when they were taking their picture. Senior Emily Miranda was surprised by her former volleyball “sister,” Nicole Pardon, for her special night. The reaction was priceless, and the entire crowd cheered. Every senior was smiling, grateful for what everyone had done for them.

“I am so glad I got to come home and surprise Emily for her senior night,” Pardon said. “We have been friends for a while and have both played both school and travel volleyball together. The look on her face was priceless and so worth the trip.”

The first set began and the girls came out extremely strong, scoring point after point. Every player was determined to win each set as fast as they could, so that the seniors could have a win on their special night. The set went by in just a little over ten minutes, with the girls pounding Hollywood Hills. Although the Spartans were able to score a few points, the Cowboys dominated overall and won with a score of 25-10.

Still filled with energy, the Cowboys took the court quickly in hopes to win the second set. Just as the first set, Cooper City came out strong and took the lead. They scored many points very quickly; however, Hollywood Hills wasn’t going down without a fight. The Spartans began to retaliate and score points as well. The score became close, but the Cowboys put on their best defense and refused to let the Spartans win the set. Cooper City succeeded and won the second set with a score of 25-18.

The crowd was on their toes, as this could be the last set for the Cowboy’s volleyball match. The girls talked to each other and boosted each other’s energy up. The girls jogged onto the court and took deep breaths, preparing themselves for the third set. The set began quickly, as Cooper City took the lead for the third time. The Spartans didn’t give up, and gave it their all to score as many points as possible. The Cowboys stood their ground and began firing spike after spike at Hollywood Hills, putting immense amount of pressure on them. The Cowboys hard work had paid off, winning the third set with a score of 25-15.

The girls were extremely excited and proud of one another. Their wishes came true and won the match for the girls on senior night. They hope to continue winning their games and make it as far as they possibly can.

“Overall the night was a huge success,” McVay said. “I’ve never felt more accepted into a family the way my teammates made all of us seniors feel. I couldn’t ask for a better team and family.”

Photo by Hailey Brown