In the last volleyball game of the season, the Lady Chargers lost against Toccoa Falls College, 3-0. Despite the loss, the team showed valiant effort and left it all on the floor this season.
The pressure of the final home game can overwhelm players. “We came into this game very nervous and unsure of what to expect,” sophomore libero Jasmin Gomez said.
“I was very excited because I knew this was going to be my last home game playing at GHC. It didn’t go how I wanted, but I put everything I had into the game and I’m glad that is what I did,” sophomore setter Josie Tolsma added.
Players are determined to keep the ball off the ground as they work together to make a score.
In sports, it is often said that teamwork makes the dream work. When asked how the team worked together in the final game, freshman hitter Alissa Robinson said, “I thought it was a little rocky, but in the end we definitely came together. This is not how we usually are; we let it get to our heads.”
“We can take the loss and use it to improve next season now that we know our weaknesses. Hopefully next season we will come back even stronger,” sophomore hitter Lula Tolsma added.
Closing out the season with a loss brings a mix of memories, both good and bad. “It’s a little bittersweet,” Josie Tolsma said. “Every time something doesn’t go as planned, it could either weigh me down or push me. I want to be the best player that I can be for myself and for my teammates.”
Even in a loss, the team had highlight moments to rally around. “Lula had a very nice block,” Gomez said. “The energy was really high and everybody was like, ‘Oh my gosh, you just blocked the ball!’ because we couldn’t do that when we played against them at their place.”
The mascot, Bolt, made an appearance to lead the crowd in chants. “I loved when Bolt came. I had never seen him in person,” Josie Tolsma said.
Bolt makes an appearance and is seen giving a high-five to one of the players after the match.
It wasn’t just Bolt lending his support to the Lady Chargers; many friends and family members came out for the game.
“I feel like it gives us more energy to know we have people cheering for us and encouraging us to do everything that we can to win,” Gomez said.
“My mother, boyfriend and two of my friends showed up. My sister is on the court with me,” Josie Tolsma added. “We played volleyball together in high school and to be playing volleyball together again is a bond I wouldn’t trade for anything.”
The team huddles together to encourage each other before their next play.
Throughout the ups and downs of the season, the team has found ways to become closer than ever.
“I remember coming back from a game that we lost and everybody was down and upset,” Josie Tolsma said. “We all talked on the back of the bus instead of just being upset. It made me realize this actually is a team and they’re here to lift me up and make me a better person, just like I am for them.”
