The varsity volleyball team said goodbye to its five seniors before their final home game Oct. 23 with Franklin.

Nikki Nelson, Katarina Moffett, Cydney Simpson, Emily Anderson, and Hanna Minns all wore tiaras and held bouquets as their coach and teammates spoke about them. “It’s always an emotional night. I’ve watched these girls grow into women, and will miss them terribly,” coach Lea Petock said.

Tears were shed as Petock spoke about Katarina Moffett, who has been on varsity all four years and came back from a torn ACL and MCL last season. “Some people stay weak from an injury, but Kat only got stronger,” Petock said. Roughly 100 spectators attended, many of them holding up old pictures of those graduating. “It’s nice to have our friends here supporting, it made the night that much more special,” Anderson said.

The team switched up the lineup to give the seniors an opportunity to try different positions. Even so, the girls defeated Franklin 3-0, identical to their last face off earlier in the season. Lincoln finished third in the PIL but lost to Lakeridge Oct. 29 in the first round of state playoffs. “No matter what happens Wednesday, I am forever grateful for my team and how well we worked together this season,” Nelson said before the Lakeridge game. “Hopefully that cohesiveness shines through this upcoming week.”