Lady Flames beach volleyball team closes season with 5-0 Senior Night win

The Lady Flames beach volleyball team ended its season on a high note on Friday April 21, dominating the NCAA DIII University of Lynchburg Hornets, 5-0.

The match was the ladies’ last one of the season as well as the only home match, as the Flames got the chance to recognize their seniors in front of the home crowd. Before the match was underway, the Lady Flames honored their four senior team members: Kaitlyn Holbrook, Heather Forton, Taylor Arnold and Audrey Antesberger.

Holbrook is a transfer from Coastal Carolina and has played on Liberty’s beach volleyball team since arriving in the Hill City.

“I’ve played for Liberty for three years now,” Holbrook said, “I came here my sophomore year and am now finishing my senior year.” 

Senior night allowed for the team’s graduating students to have one special last home game before moving on to a new season of life. It also was an opportunity for family and friends to come out and support their players.

“It was a great senior night. My family was in town, my roommates and friends came, and it was great getting to play on our home turf,” Holbrook said. “(Coach) Jess has been super influential throughout the season, and leaving is certainly bittersweet.” 

The brief senior night presentation was at 7 p.m. followed by the first set of matches against Lynchburg, ending with the final set at 8 p.m.

Five matches were played at once, with the first team to reach 21 points winning the set. The best out of three won, but the Flames had no issue securing the win in the matches against the Hornets. 

During each match, the teams switched sides of the court every seven points to ensure that no team had the upper hand due to unpredictable elements, such as wind and sunlight.

On each court, the Lady Flames gave it their all, securing a win on each set, sweeping Lynchburg and allowing for their season to end with a bang.

The Flames have traveled far and wide this season but were able to bring it to a close on their home courts. 

“We’ve been all over the place — California, Kentucky, South Carolina etc., but this was our finale to bring everything to an end,” Holbrook said.

White is a sports reporter for the Liberty Champion