Women’s Volleyball Senior Night vs. Alumni

Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Elle Gunter.

Senior Night is always a bittersweet time as a student-athlete. Some are thankful it’s over, while others are sad to say goodbye to the sport they have loved for so long. On November 3 in the Dome Gymnasium, Bluefield University hosted a special evening for the senior members of the women’s volleyball team, who had to say goodbye not only to the sport but also to their teammates. 

During the evening, the women were honored with posters and cut-outs for fans or family to use to cheer them on during the game. On the wall behind the team bench were handmade posters for each player displaying their number and some of their overall stats throughout the season. A number of the players are from Puerto Rico, and before the United States National Anthem, they played the Puerto Rico National Anthem to show the ladies they are loved and cared for.  

Players, teammates, family, and friends shed tears of joy and sadness. With emotions being in the air, the women were honored before the game started with family and friends joining on the court. They were each gifted a goodie bag, flowers, and one to two photos to represent their hard work and dedication throughout the years. In addition, Eledy Torres and Lia Santana were both recognized for more than 1,000 career dig. 

The players who were recognized on Senior Night included:

• #4 Santana from Manati, Puerto Rico, who is majoring in Exercise and Sports Science
• #6 Torres from Toa Alta, Puerto Rico, who is majoring in Communication
• #13 Abbey Boehm from Addison, Illinois, who is majoring in Special Education
• #14 Rachel Sasson from Wichita, Kansas, who is majoring in Business Administration
• #18 Izabella Lechuga from Apple Valley, California, who is majoring in Psychology and Human Services
• #23 Camille Gonzalez Rivera from Ponce, Puerto Rico, who is majoring in Exercise and Sports Science. 

After being recognized, the girls lined up to watch a video of some of their favorite moments and highlights throughout the season before the game started. The alumni waited patiently for the game to start as they watched the women be honored. 

The game went on for four sets as the seniors won three out of the four. The game was a long but fun battle to watch and a great way to end Senior Night.