By Shrina Shah
On September 22, 2025, NCSSM’s Women’s Volleyball team hosted Research Triangle High. This wasn’t just an ordinary conference match. It was Senior Night, and the chance to recognize the eight seniors for their dedication, leadership, and lasting impact to the program. However, this match did not start off as planned. NCSSM lost the first two sets to Research Triangle, and the energy both on the court and in the stands was slowing down. Nevertheless, the team refused to back down. With the support of the crowd, the Unicorns pulled off an unforgettable reverse sweep that made the night even more special.
From a viewer’s perspective, NCSSM started off great! Senior Tess Crumpton brought huge momentum to the Unis with back to back aces, or serves that the Raptors couldn’t return to keep the rally alive. At one point, the Unis were leading 10-5. Research Triangle quickly adjusted and made a comeback to lead 11-10. The rest of the set went back-and-forth until a Raptors ace closed it out, 28-26. The second set followed a similar pattern. Despite the Unis’ determination and hustle, minor mistakes gave away crucial points to the Raptors. This set ended 25-19, and team morale was low as the players regrouped.
The third set is where the momentum began to shift. It felt like flipping a light switch in a dark room, where that single motion changes everything. During a timeout, the student section erupted with cheering and chants, determined to make the gym roar. The energy felt infectious and spread to the players on the court. They started playing not just together, but with this newfound confidence. There was no hesitation to dive for balls, full power on every spike, and the attitude of a team that had nothing to lose. It was awesome not just to watch, but to be part of such an electric environment.
As the cheers built with each point, so did the tension. Every time the Raptors scored and started to pull ahead, NCSSM’s student section rose to its feet, louder than before. The energy was palpable throughout both the fourth and fifth sets. From solo blocks by Seniors Cornelia Okonkwo and Mariam Hassanen to countless digs, every rally sent the crowd into a frenzy. When NCSSM clinched the final point to seal the match, students stormed the court. Emotions ran high as seniors embraced, surrounded by cheering friends, proud families, and supportive coaches.
I don’t think there could have been a better way to close out one of the final home games of the season. Reverse sweeping any team isn’t just a win. It’s a testament to resilience, teamwork, and passion. As the crowd’s chants slowly turned into hugs, laughter, and tears, the energy remained long after the final whistle. This senior night will be remembered not just for the win or the statistics that any individual player achieved, but for the love, spirit, and unity that everyone shared for the sport of volleyball.
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