1 Court
2 Teams
3 Touches
25 Points
1 Winner
~ ~ ~ ~
"It's in, it's in! It's coming to you Izzy!" My eyes followed the ball to see where it was going. The ball wasn't coming really fast, so that made it easier for me to transition.
I passed the ball with ease, sending the ball to our setter, Miracle. She sent a quick set to our middle, Ali, so she could kill it.
The other team ended up blocking it, but our libero, Mya, was some how able to get the ball back up, so I sent the ball back over getting up back into system.
The other team ended up setting their right side. Their hitter was on the stronger side, so the ball came fast. I passed the hard ball, to Miracle, who ended up dumping the ball, giving us the point.
"Ayee!" We all screamed in excitement as we gathered in a quick circle.
The score was now 26-25. We needed one more point to win the Illinois State Championship.
Before we could get the ball back, the ref blew the whistle and pointed towards the other team meaning they called a time-out. I huffed in annoyance as me and the rest of my team made our way towards our coach.
The crowd was roaring on both sides of the arena. One side was filled with people in blue and gold, while the other side was filled with red and white. Our school was so loud, you could hear them over the other team's school. Shit was crazy.
"Phenomenal job out there ladies. You guys are really playing like a team out there and I couldn't be more proud." Coach Courtney says making us smile. "Now," She looked at Ali, "don't let this time out freak you out just because it's state. You've served balls thousands of times so don't let this be any different. Also, I need for you to aim for zone five because I can tell their D/S is getting a little nervous out there." Right when coach Courtney was about to say something else, the ref then signaled us to head back.
"Alright! Keep it up, girls! You got this!... Just play like you do in practice when I threaten you with sprints." Courtney finished up.
We laughed as we put our hands in, "Broncos on 'S'! D-L-S"
"Broncos!" We cheered.
We made our way back onto the court as we waited for the other team to finish up. I looked out in the crowed and saw our J.V team and our parents in the stands cheering for us. Each J.V player had a sign for each player on the varsity team, and it was so cute. I teared up when they first showed us.
Finally the other team made their way back to the court, and the line judge passed the ball to Ali since it's her turn to serve. She is one of our best servers being that she didn't play defense that well; but it's pretty common for middles to not know how to pass well.
When the whistle blew and the ball went over the net, the ball went straight to zone 5 at their D/S. She passed the ball and it headed straight for the net.
"Watch it over!" I yelled out, squatting lower.
"It's coming over! Mine!" Marcey yelled as she jumped up and slammed the ball back over on the other team. The ball landed right in front of the ten foot line. The other team was able to get it back up to their setter who set it to their outside. She was their tallest hitter, but she was also very slow on her feet.
She came up slamming the ball in Mya's face, making it bounce back up into the air out of system. Where the ball was, I knew Miracle wasn't going to be able to set any of the main hitters, so I called for it.
"Red, red!" Ali called out. She did her approach, and hit the ball down hard towards zone one, which was wide open.
The ref blew his whistle and pointed to our side and everyone went wild.
I screamed and went straight to my best friend Mya as she jumped on me. Everyone took that to jump on us as well, knocking us down all together. Since we won this game, we became the state champs. This is our first time winning in five years, and I'm glad I got to experience this my senior year.
After we shook hands with the other team, got our medals, and took team pictures, I went to look for my parents; they were standing next to all of the other proud parents.
"Izzy, we're so proud of you!" They engulfed me in a hug, "You look just like Destiny when she was younger." I smiled wide and hugged them back.
Honestly, I want to be just like my sister. She's accomplished so much in her life, and I'm hoping to be able to do that.
*
Us seniors decided to go out and celebrate at Portillo's. Coach Courtney wasn't happy about it, but since it was our last game she let it slide.
"Can you guys believe this is our last high school volleyball season together?" Marcey asked. The thought of us even separating makes me emotional. Over the past three years, we've all grew an extremely close bond; I never thought I would become this close with anybody.
During school and club season, people called us the "Sexy Six". It's corny, but it fits us. Whenever we're on the court, we play like we've been playing with each other since toddlers. Other teams envy us because we have that bond and communication that most teams don't have on and off the court.
"Oh my gosh, these four years went by so fast! I'm really gonna miss playing with you guys." Ali said, tearing up.
"But we still have club season coming up, and we all play for the same club." I pointed out.
"Oh yea, I totally forgot about that." Ali said.
We made our way up to the counter to order. I pulled out my phone to finish responding to the rest of the snaps that people sent to me. Either congratulating me or responding to my other snaps I made earlier today.
"Next please." The boy at the counter called out.
I looked up from my phone and stepped up, "Hi... Um, can I have a bacon cheeseburger with cheese fries."
"And for your drink?" The boy asked.
"Small fruit punch."
"Alright your total is $15.47." I cringed at the price of the food, but gave him my debit card anyway. He smiled and handed me my card and receipt and I made my way to the side to wait for my food.
Once Liana came over from the order line, she came running towards me, "Omg, he was totally checking you out Iz!" She pointed out. I rolled my eyes.
"I don't know why you tellin' her that, you know she like her men tall and dark." Mya cut in.
I laughed, "She right Li Li, and even if I did like white boys, my focus is not on boys this year." I pointed out. I'm just trying to graduate and continue chasing and attempting to fulfil my dreams of playing in the Olympics, and one day play professionally (hopefully).
After what seemed like a good 15 minutes, everybody finally had their food and we found a table to sit at.
"So, what's everybody doing tomorrow because Nate throwing a party at his house." Mya said as she sat down.
"I can't... I have to babysit my little sister." Marcey said as she rolled her eyes.
"And I'm grounded." Ali said bluntly
Mya huffed, "Damn Ali, what you be doin'? You stay in trouble."
I chuckled as I bit into my burger. Mya isn't lying though. It's like every other week Ali is always on punishment for something. She never tells us why, but it's probably for something stupid.
"Don't worry about it. I'll be free next week though." She reassured us.
"Anyways, Li Li and I will be there." Miracle spoke up.
"Yea, me too." I chimed in.
Mya grinned, "Yesss, this shit finna be turnt!"
We began to discuss outfit ideas. I've never been to a party, so I have no clue what to wear. Do I wear a dress like I see on all of those corny teen movies? Do I keep it casual? Hopefully I have a better idea by tomorrow.
By the time we all finished our food, I was extremely tired but I stayed out longer with my girls because today was just such an amazing day. We drove around downtown Chicago for what seemed like forever, but the view was spectacular.
By 11:30pm, we said our goodbyes, got in our cars and left. I got home around, 11:45, and I was dead tired, but I couldn't go to sleep just yet. I think my excitement of being a state champion is getting in the way.
I changed into a large t-shirt, old spandex, and turned on some music as I did my night routine. Redbone by Childish Gambino played lowly so that I won't wake my parents.
Once I finished everything, I turned off my music and pulled out my laptop. I went to YouTube and watched true crime videos until my eyes shut on their own.