By Draven Dabrowski
Sports Writer
Pelz Gymnasium was packed for the volleyball team’s season finale against Saint Anselm College. The team secured their 15th victory of the season, completing a turnaround year and securing a spot in the NE10 playoffs.
It was the perfect ending to a regular season defined by resilience. After winning just four games last season, the team completed a dramatic 180, closing the home schedule with energy, emotion and a team that finally looks like itself again.
“This group was really young last year, but they learned what they needed to prepare for,” Head Coach Lisa Barbaro said. “With every game this season, they just kept getting stronger and stronger.”
This Senior Night carried added weight because of what the seniors went through last season.
“They’ve persevered through so much,” Barbaro said. “They’ve been great leaders, and tonight was special because nearly every senior got the chance to play and contributed in big ways.”
Barbaro was not kidding; every senior got the chance to leave their mark in their final regular season game with the Owls.
Right side hitter Sydney Bennett, a senior and a captain, finished the game with a team high 13 kills, four blocks and 16.5 of the 94 points for the university.
This moment was very meaningful for Bennett, with family traveling from Florida, Georgia, and Maryland to watch her possible final home match.
“It means so much to have people travel that far just for one night,” Bennett said.
Outside hitter Dylan Marney, a senior, finished the game with four service aces and four digs.
“This is by far my best year with the team, and ending Senior Night with a win means everything,” Marney said.
The team’s love for one another was obvious throughout the night, from every huddle to every celebration on the sideline.
“We’ve been in the gym every day. You can see we get along super well,” outside hitter and defensive specialist Ceci Carter, a graduate, said. “We’re playing for each other. We’re our sister’s keeper; that’s what we say.”
Carter, who came to the university from North Carolina A&T State University, put together a great performance of her own in her final regular-season game of her lone season as an Owl.
“I had a very short time here, but I am so happy for the other seniors. They have seen the highest highs and the lowest lows. They work so hard every day.” Carter said.
Carter had four kills, three assists and seven points.
The Owls hosted an NE10 Conference Championship First Round matchup Tuesday, Nov.18, a stage few could have imagined last season.
For a team that rebuilt itself through chemistry, belief and daily work, the postseason felt like both a reward and a beginning to something great.
“We’re proud of how far we have come,” Barbaro said. “What matters most now is that we keep playing with heart, keep playing for each other and enjoy every second we get.”
