The lady royals have officially wrapped up a big season at semi-state. The team made big strides this year, advancing to regionals and semi-state for the first time in 7 years. The team was led by seniors Sarah Lezon, Emma Halter, Alivia Hill, Erica Eads, and Cara Wlodarzyck, juniors Monica Jones, Aris Berger, Megan Sinovic, and Faith Burch, sophomore Aly Kirkoff, and freshman Logan Bell. 

Three of the team’s seniors have committed to playing volleyball in college on Wednesday, November 10. Olivia Murphy, outside hitter, committed to Wake Forest University. Emma Halter, libero, is committed to the University of Texas at Austin. Erica Eads, right side, is committed to playing at University of Indianapolis.

One of the significant feats this season was the team’s defeat of Yorktown, a previously nationally ranked volleyball program.

“It was honestly surreal,” Halter said.

It has been eight years since the team has defeated Yorktown. Taking the first and second sets in 25-17 and 25-22.

The team has spent this season working hard on drills to prevent mistakes, perform well under pressure, and come together as a team.

Even off the court, the girls have been focusing on their team bond.

` “We had a lot of fun doing stuff outside of practice, axe throwing, going to restaurants, and spending time with the team,” Bell said.

All of the time spent out of practice has helped the girls develop better communication and teamwork skills.

“We’re not just teammates, but friends,” Eads said.

One of the main factors in fostering that team bond was the leadership of the seniors.

“Since there are so many seniors, it put so much heart and soul into the team,” Murphy said.

After four years, these seniors have grown and developed their skills.

“The relationships and bond I have made with my teammates have really helped me become the team player I am today,” Hill said.

After the season’s conclusion, Murphy, Halter, and Eads signed to Wake Forest, University of Texas at Austin, and UIndy, where they’ll continue their careers carrying on the values learned from their time as Roncalli Royals.