Alyssa Buruato is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Cicero Prep for AZpreps365.com.

 

The Cicero Prep Centurions girls’ volleyball team held their Senior Night on Monday night at their home court sweeping the Veritas Prep Falcons, 25-13, 25-21, 25-19.

The seven seniors celebrated the last season of their high school careers in an emotional and triumphant night. Emotions were high as names were getting called and speeches were being read. It, however, isn’t their last game of the season.

Coach Kirsten Frey was one of many shedding tears for her seniors saying this group of seniors is extra special.

“When I took over the program four years ago, these are the girls we started with,” Frey said. “They’ve contributed to this program just as much as the coaching staff has.”

Seniors Ava Caggiano and Halle Hwang have known each other since third grade and have built a special friendship through volleyball during their high school years.

Caggiano says “we completely built the program together and I could not have done it without her.”

The game started with senior setter Tamara Mekoba going on a six-point serving streak causing the Falcons to call a timeout by point three. Freshman, Nicole Damian, started off strong with four kills and two blocks in the first set. Caggiano was just warming up with two kills and one ace.

The first set ended with a score of 25-13, setting the tone for the rest of the match.

The Centurions got a quick side out during the second set, only giving the Falcons one point before getting the ball back. The Falcons called a time-out by Mekoba's second serve in an attempt to ice her.

Hwang, a libero, was all over the floor defending her side, not letting a single ball drop.

After some crucial errors by Cicero Prep, the Falcons made the match close, getting within 21-20. But, coach Frey called a timeout and the team regrouped to end the set 25-21. An ace by Caggiano shut the door on any possible Falcons rally.

Damian started the third set with two kills in the first five points defending Mekoba’s eight-point serving streak. Caggiano was stellar with five kills, showing her strong connection with Hwang.

The Falcons called a time-out at 16-8 and came back with scrappy plays and tips to Cicero’s weak spots. They had the momentum, but ultimately could not pull off a win, losing 25-19.  Mekoba found her hitters all night and defending every block and tip she could.

Not to be done on Senior Night, Damian shined. She is a notable powerhouse and plans on keeping the momentum going for the Centurions after the seniors leave.

“I want to continue building and working on relationships and focus more on the family aspect rather than just being in it to win it,” Damian said.

With the victory, the Centurions  are 16-6 and will hold on to their No. 1 spot in the 1A East division.  They return to action on Wednesday when they face Hayden at home.