After losing six seniors, including the volleyball Gatorade Player of the Year Alexa Filley, the question was how would the Rockets recover? Each year, players graduate and people wonder how they will play without their leaders. Fortunately, the girls have always found a way to step up and become leaders. The Rockets proved that a few weeks back, beating the number one ranked team in the nation (Cathedral) and also defeating Sacred Heart in an easy three games a few nights ago.

With freshmen and junior varsity defeating the Valkyries, both in just two games, the bar was set for the varsity girls. With an almost packed gym and a student section decked out in pink, the girls were ready for an emotional and very nerve-wracking game.

The Rockets came out strong in the first game, with Valkyries not too far behind. The Rockets led most the game until it was tied and the game was back and forth. The first game ended with the Rockets edging out the Valkyries by two.

The second game began just like the second had ended: exciting. Bailey Wheatley’s kill looked like it could turn the game around putting the Rockets up 8-7, but the Valkyries kept trying. Sacred Heart’s effort continued when they started to pull away, leading the Rockets by three, until Coach Kordas called a timeout to rally the Rockets. The Rockets were not only able to come back from their defeat, but to also win the game, forcing Sacred Heart to win the next game or be sent home.

Article by Katie Monaghan

The third game began with the Rockets playing strong. The Valkyries never gave up, but with Kenzie Maloney serving seven in a row, the Valkyries never really found their way back. Miranda Elpers ended the game with a kill to give Rockets an easy three and out win over the Valkyries. The Rockets go on to play Mercy at home on Monday Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.