Thursday October 2nd, was Ava Groteke, Ellie Muller, Tessa Holtorf,
Addi Alessio, Elly Alessio, and Marion Boot’s senior night. Coach MaryBeth Wiskus said, “It has been a privilege to be a part of these seniors’ volleyball journey. I have seen them grow in so many ways since they played DCVC back in parochial school. They are amazing people on and off the court.”
With each bringing their own talents to the team, they truly help to shape the way Dowling Catholic volleyball is played. Wiskus proudly comments, “Thank you to our seniors for leading us on and off the court this year. Your leadership and impact are beyond measure. Thank you for the time you have given this program. You have left a big footprint on our program that we will never forget.”
The volleyball team has some unique traditions when it comes to Senior Night, with each team having their respective duties to make senior night come true for the seniors. The freshman teams work together to make the banners that hang in the gym during the game. The Sophomore team decorates the locker room into a magical abyss filled with streamers and pictures of them when they were younger.
The JV and Varsity teams greet the seniors as they walk across the court. They give them flowers, a hug, and a smile. Their next stop is the line of Coaches, starting with our Head Coach, Coach Wiskus, who greets them with a card, a gift, and a big hug. As they go down the line the tears start to flow, but that is a very common aspect of being a high school senior.
On Thursday they played Waukee, ranked 3rd in 5A at the time. Coming into the game they knew it was going to be a challenge as Waukee was the higher ranked team. The girls took that challenge and beat them in 5 sets ending the week with 2 top-5 wins. Going into the second set they were down one set, but that wasn’t going to stop them. Until Waukee protested a call, a call that said Dowling won set 2. This forced the set to go to 27 with Dowling winning the set. That momentum pushed the Dowling girls in the 3rd set where they won 25-16. Waukee pushed back in set 4 to tie the sets at 2 each forcing a set 5.
For every set, not including the 5th set, the score goes to 25 with a must win by 2 rule and set 5 goes to 15 with a win by 2 rule. In the 5th set vs Waukee the Final score was 14-16 Dowling Catholic. A win for the seniors on their senior night. “Beating Waukee(#3) and Ankeny(#4) this week were two great team wins!
I was so happy for the girls to get the win on Senior night. I know that is something they will never forget. I am proud of their fearless play and the way they won the energy battle,” said Coach Wiskus.
Let’s pack the stands for their last regular season game vs number 1 Waukee Northwest at Northwest starting at 7:30 pm on Tuesday October 14.
