The boys volleyball season finally came to an end for the seniors on April 23 at 6:30 p.m. To ensure they were sent off in good fashion, the crowd kept the energy high with countless chants, cheers and support. Both junior varsity and varsity left the Cavalier gym victorious against the Lions from Immaculata La Salle High School.

Throughout the season, players attended frequent practices both on weekends and weekdays to improve their skills. The team practiced with exercises  such as popcorn and butterfly drills, which helped the Cavaliers improve their coordination, a skill that would manifest itself in the matches leading up to senior night. 

“As the coach, I always look forward to the competition, excitement of the games and watching my players grow and develop the relationships they build with each other. I love seeing them strive to be their best and work hard both academically and on the court. I hope the juniors continue to work hard to take over now that the seniors are leaving so that the legacy we have at Coral Gables [Senior High School] will continue to thrive,” Coach D’alemberte said.

The afternoon of senior night, the junior varsity team was up first. The Cavaliers served well and executed winning plays to give themselves a chance at a win. However, the Cavaliers forfeited the first set. After losing the first set, the JV team pushed themselves harder to win the remaining two.

“Being a manager of a guys’ team has taught me patience and how to work around different personalities, some players being very calm and quiet while others are loud. I enjoy being manager since I play volleyball myself and it inspires me seeing the commitment and patience the coaches have,” junior Valentina Tómas said.

Making the comeback of the season, Gables’ junior varsity team prevailed in their final game. The match ended in the Cavaliers’ favor, as the team won two sets out of three, ending their season on a bright note.

“Going to games, we always have to walk in with the mindset that we’re going to beat them no matter what and not to be worried about our weaknesses. We should never let the other team intimidate or scare us and go out there and play how we always do in practice,” JV captain Parker Zuccarini said.

After a successful game played by the junior varsity team, the varsity Cavaliers knew they had to play their best for their last home game before districts. Between the end of the junior varsity matchup and the varsity game, the players went over to their friends and relatives to embrace them and receive good luck.

Each senior – Cesar Ramirez, DeArte Butler Jr., Mauricio Quesada, Griffin Byrd, Javier Diaz, Peter D’Alincourt and Pablo Reyes – played a pivotal role in the matchup against LaSalle.

Honoring their efforts for not just senior night, but throughout the volleyball season, Gables students went out of their way to support the Cavaliers as they embarked on their last few sets.

Students held posters, started chants and a few even dressed in custom tricorne hats that resembled the Cavalier mascot, ultimately to celebrate the seniors. One supporter, sophomore Carlos Sabates was even seen running up and down the sidelines, receiving positive reactions from the audience.

The varsity team began the nerve-wracking game. The entirety of Gables’ gym shouted enthusiastically after each point, save and kill. Countless chants and cheers could be heard echoing through the gym. After all their hard work, the varsity team continued racking up points, feeding off the energy of the Cavalier fanbase. Winning their last game of the season, the Cavaliers won the battle against the Lions.

The Cavaliers won in four sets and will be moving on to the District semi-finals against Ransom Everglades High School.

“I stay strict on the court since I have much more knowledge of the game. Just by myself, I feel I’ve improved a lot dealing with different personalities and having to overcome knowing I had a bad day,” senior captain Mauricio Quesada said.

As the game ended, the players gathered with their families and friends to take pictures and save the night’s memories. Posing in front of the balloons and decorations, the seniors made the most of their final game together. Though they had many wins and losses, the one thing the team could guarantee was the friendship and connections made throughout the season.