CFNN Reporter Larkin Baxley

Thursday, October 5th, your Lady Colts took on the Jack Britt Buccaneers at home for their senior night! It was a bittersweet night as family and friends honored the nine seniors. The game ended with a quick victory for the Colts, with them winning in straight sets, 3-0.

Before the game kicked off the nine senior players, two managers, and announcer were recognized with many flowers, balloons, and pictures. 

The first senior to walk out was manager Emma Firestone. Emma has helped copious sports teams with their stats and helped keep scores and run the clock during many games. “She has always been a great help with all of the volleyball team’s needs. She will be greatly missed,” said Senior Laney Talley. 

The next seniors to come out were twin sisters Addi and Alanna Sanchez. Addi is a senior manager for the team. She sadly couldn’t play for her senior season due to her ACL injury, but she has helped the team throughout the whole season and brought great energy to the team. 

This is Alanna’s first season with the Colts, and she came in as a defensive specialist. “Alanna always brought the best energy no matter where she was or what she was doing. She is my personal hype man and I will miss her and Addi so much,” said senior Larkin Baxley.

The next senior to come out was Lilly Rayburn. Lilly has been with the Colts Varsity team since her freshman year. Over her career she has racked up over 350 kills over 262 sets  played. She has had 52 solo blocks and 116 block assists so far. She has helped out the Colts greatly over her four years and will be missed dearly. 

Next was outside hitter Olivia Melvin. Over her four years on the volleyball team she totaled up almost 1000 kills and over 900 digs. She was player of the year her junior season, and has always been a leader on the team. The energy she brings and her incredible hits will be missed.

Next was Illyanna Johnson. She has been a middle on the team since her Sophomore year when she was brought up to play. Her blocking and hitting has been a great help to the Colts success with her racking up almost 200 kills and close to 100 total blocks. Her skills will be missed greatly next season. 

Next was Payton Gunter. She has been with the varsity team since her freshman year as a setter her freshman through junior year, and a libero her senior year. Over her four years with the team she has been a great leader. Over her junior and senior year she has had a total of over 459 assists and close to 400 digs. Her skills and energy on the court will be missed. 

The next senior was Addie Hudson. After being brought up her Sophomore year to the varsity team she has helped the Colts defense greatly. She has totaled up almost 300 digs over 172 sets played. She has had over 450 serve receptions over her seasons with the team. She will be missed on and off the court.

Next was Larkin Baxley. After being brought up during her freshman year she racked up over 1000 serve receptions and close to 700 digs as a libero her Sophomore and Junior year. Her senior year as a setter has brought her 177 assists and 50 kills. 

The next senior to come out was Laney Talley. Laney was brought up Sophomore year and has helped the Colts greatly over her time with the team. She has a total of 163 kills over 119 sets. She has had 63 digs and 45 total blocks. “Laney always had the most positive energy and I will miss her so much,” says Baxley. 

The final senior player to come out was Brooke Bombatepe. After joining the Colts her Junior year she has helped the Colts greatly with her setting and hitting. She has totaled up 600 assists and 316 kills. Alongside her 373 digs and 38 total blocks, she has been a great help to the team. She will be missed next year. 

Rounding out the senior night was Taylor Woodard, the team’s senior announcer. Taylor has been an announcer since 2021 and always brought jokes and good energy to the home games. His famous quote “The Hot Dawg ” is used to empower players and get the team and crowd hyped up. His energy throughout the whole school will be missed.

Despite this sad night, the Colts took a quick 3-0 victory against the Buccaneers as their final game of the week. Make sure to tune in next week your Lady Colts take on the Cleveland Rams at home on Tuesday at 6!