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Rio Americano Girls Volleyball Seniors Ready For End of Regular Season, Playoffs
Five seniors want to end El Camino's perfect league season.
Rio Americano's five senior girls varsity volleyball players say they are facing mixed emotions heading into tonight's game against Antelope in what they hope won't be the last time they play before a home crowd this season.
"I love this team; I've been with them for four years," said right side Erika Tabor. "It's crazy to think we're not going to be here next year so I want to finish strong."
The Raiders (27-9) are figured to win tonight but are looking forward to Wednesday's regular season finale against rival . The (29-3) won the first two meetings earlier this season.
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"We're going to upset them at their Senior Night," setter Ariana Garner said. "I'm going to miss the girls and (Coach) John (Grix). We want to go past the last three years making the second round and go further."
The team is currently ranked No. 11 by The Sacramento Bee.
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"Volleyball is my favorite part of the day," said outside hitter Lauren Kirschke. "This team is like my family."
The team's highlight is yet to come, said middle blocker/middle hitter Heather Horton.
"I love this team," Horton said. "John is like... our weird uncle."
Tabor, Garner and Kirschke have played on the varsity squad all four years, Grix said.
"It's really cool to see them grow to the level of competition they're at," he said.
Grix said he remembers asking a player to come back with the tallest girl she could find that wasn't already on the team. The player returned with Helen Dobeck, now a 6'3" middle blocker/middle hitter.
"They're goofballs who bring life to the team," he said.
The team is back at full strength after being earlier in the season.
"I'm hoping we'll go far and keep playing," Dobeck said. "With people back from injuries, we have good odds."
Tabor tore her ACL and made it back.
"My heart goes to Erika for her knee injury," Grix said. "It's been really tough for her to come back; it's incredible."
Grix said he and the team will miss the seniors.
"I'm proud of all of them," he said.
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