//ANNE GERRINGER//SOREN BROCKWAY//MADISON PAUL//

“Road to State.” The slogan that motivated the girls varsity volleyball team all season. Vista Girls Volleyball made a run at the state tournament Nov. 14-16. Three days and four games in total. The team ended fifth in the state.

The first day of the tournament, the girls suffered a loss to Rampart High School. Since it was double elimination, they were ready to come back and fight the next day. Senior Hannah Holmgren reflected on the day and knew that they were not giving up so easily.

“I motivate the team by explaining how this isn’t how we want to finish our season,” Holmgren said. “We played so much better than we did on the first day of state, and I wanted to make sure they came ready on day two.” 

The second day the girls beat Highlands Ranch High School in three sets, putting the team in the final eight. In the third game against Grandview High School, Vista pulled out another win in three, moving the team into the top six. 

While the excitement continued to build from the team, for some of the graduating seniors, state was the end of a career. For senior Lexie Zemann, Saturday, the final day of state, was the last day of her volleyball career.  

“I have played volleyball my entire life, and it makes me sad to actually be done with the sport,” Zemann said. “I am excited for a new chapter in my life, and I will always have a deep love for volleyball.”  

On Saturday, the team lost to Legend High School in three. Tears filled the eyes of some players on the team. Senior Camille Thoennes couldn’t be more thankful for Vista Volleyball and all it did to impact her life.

“It was crazy to think that that was the last time in a Vista jersey, playing with these people and last time representing Vista Volleyball,” Thoennes said. “I will never forget all of the great memories these past four years have given me in this program.