By Tiare Sarraf,
Copy Editor.
The Santa Rosa High School girls volleyball team has made a lot of memories as the season has progressed. Although the team has struggled this season, they have had some breakout wins such as beating Healdsburg in three sets and Ukiah in four.
Senior and captain Lili Burbank explained the bittersweet feeling that she experienced throughout the season, given it’s her final year on the team. “Volleyball has been such a big part of my life, so knowing it’s my last season makes me want to appreciate every moment: every game, every practice, even the tough ones,” said Burbank. She added that this season has been one of her favorites as she has watched the team develop.
Being one of the leaders who helps set the tone for the team, Burbank enjoys encouraging and hyping her team up: “I love getting everyone fired up before games and keeping the energy good when things get stressful.” Burbank always tries to balance hard work with fun and laughter.
A part of the SRHS team since her freshman year, senior and captain Tessa Ponce has done her best to make the most of her last season playing with the team. “I love bringing the team together and making a fun and competitive environment,” Ponce said. A role model for her teammates, Ponce is grateful to have seen the team grow stronger over the months they have spent practicing.
Many of the girls this season have felt that their team chemistry has improved, including junior Ava Lohne. “There have definitely been some challenges along the way, but I feel like those have just made us better as a team,” said Lohne. Playing tough matches and pushing each other to compete and get better has strengthened the team’s connections. Each girl knows that they can rely on and trust their teammates.
After playing on the varsity SRHS team throughout her high school career, Lohne has some advice to give to girls considering playing volleyball: go for it. “Being a part of a team teaches you so many life lessons that you can’t learn anywhere else,” Lohne explained. After a season filled with challenges, the volleyball team came out with an impressive win against Maria Carrillo, coming down to the final set which Santa Rosa won 15-13. In our world full of sedentary and isolated lifestyles, people need a team more than ever, and luckily, our SRHS team has each other.
