FORT MADISON -
They had played together for so long, accounts varied among the Holy Trinity volleyball seniors when it all began.
They were all together in the starting lineup for Thursday’s Senior Night match against Danville.
The No. 3 (Class 1A) Crusaders swept to a 25-13, 25-11, 25-12 win, finishing undefeated within the SEI Superconference South Division to take the division crown.
But it was an emotional night for the five seniors — Mary Kate Bendlage, Natalie Randolph, Taegan Denning, Jenna Hellman and Reagan Holvoet — whose time together dates back to a YMCA league in the early years of elementary school.
“Oh my gosh. It was so special,” Bendlage said. “We’ve played together since kindergarten, first grade, in the YMCA league. Two of our moms coached us. We’ve known each other for so long, we get along so well together.”
“It was special,” Denning said. “We started out in the Y league, in second or third grade, and now we’re here.”
“We’ve all been together for so long, playing together just feels right,” Holvoet said.
This match was the first time this season all five were on the court. Holvoet has been out all season with an injured right shoulder, but she was in uniform to play the first point of this match.
“It’s always been the goal since the beginning of the season to play on Senior Night,” said Holvoet, who got in one swing with her left shoulder. “So it was just kind of always in the works.”
“I said, ‘How about a point?’ She said, ‘Can I?’” Holy Trinity coach Melissa Freesmeier said.
Holvoet’s teammates knew how much that one point meant.
“I know how she feels,” said Randolph, who missed all of last season with a knee injury. “So I’m glad she could be out there.”
“I would say it was really important for her,” Hellman said. “It was a sentimental moment for her, I think.”
“I think that was so special for Reagan,” Bendlage said. “This would have been a great senior year for her. But just to get that one point, I think, meant a lot to her and was so special for all of us.”
Being a spectator this season is something Holvoet didn’t want. Asked what that one point meant, she said, “A lot. It’s been a rough season not getting to play, but that’s life. It’s been exciting. We’ve been playing great, and it’s fun to see how well we’re doing. It’s been fun to be able to cheer them on.”
“She’s at practice every night, no matter what,” Freesmeier said.
Hellman saw her most significant time of the season. She finished 10-of-11 serving with an ace, and added four digs.
“Jenna stepped in, played well,” Freesmeier said. “That’s been her role all season, to step in and do things when we’ve got someone out.”
Bendlage, Randolph and Denning have been starters all season, and they closed their final home match of the regular season with big numbers. Bendlage had eight kills, 20 digs and a block. Randolph had nine kills, 17 assists, 10 digs, and was 15-of-16 serving with two aces. Denning had three kills, two assists, five digs and was 13-of-13 serving.
“Natalie, MK, and Taegan, they get out there and push, push, push,” Freesmeier said. “And we’ve got a good balance of youth around them.”
Sophomore Presley Myers led the Crusaders (23-4 overall, 7-0 South Division) with 16 kills and added four blocks. Freshman Adalyn Kruse had five kills, four digs and three blocks. Junior Teagan Snaadt had four assists and 11 digs.
The night, though, belonged to the seniors.
“Tonight was special,” Randolph said. “Being out there with my best friends is always the best.”
“It’s bittersweet, but I’m happy at the same time,” Denning said.
“I think it was great to just be out there as a team on the court,” Hellman said. “We’ve been together since kindergarten. It’s something we’ve been working for since we were so young. To get to this spot together really meant a lot.”
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