On Feb. 27, the North Star Scholar Athletes held the annual staff vs. students volleyball game. They do this each year, donating the proceeds to a different organization each time. This year the proceeds went to Project Dance, and as an effort to increase spectators this year, they only allowed seniors on the student team. The event was energetic with music playing the whole time and a dynamic crowd.
The game started intensely, with the staff taking the lead. Then, the students went on a run, but the staff caught up once more. Set one ended close, with the staff winning 26-24.
“I feel pretty great. We let them stay in it just to make sure their souls and spirits were not too crushed. We’re looking forward to game two,” said Katherine McCleary, member of the staff team after the first set.
The second set was even more intense with the staff matching every point the students scored. In the middle of the second set, the staff pulled ahead with a six point lead. Once again the students caught up, and tied the game at match point. The students and staff were head to head, until at match point for the students. By a turn of events, all of the staff on the court ended up on the floor, leading the students to win set two.
“We just won the second round. I’m feeling great. We’re ready to win the third final round,” said senior Ashley Pate after the second round.
Set three was head to head like set two. It was filled with longer rallies saved by dives and ended by spikes. Grant Jacobsen spiked the ball, leading the staff to take the lead none to six. The teachers took the lead all the way to matchpoint, leading 24-19. The game was intense for everyone.
“It’s really entertaining. The suspense is killing me. I really hope the teachers win,” said spectator and junior Veronika Cisar.
At match point, Peter Gleason served the ball and lost the point. The students served the ball, only for Jacobsen to spike the ball and win the set. After winning the first and third set, the staff won the game. The teachers celebrated the win with a huddle and chant.
The game was entertaining for everyone there. Some students came with signs to support their friends on the court, multiple teachers took dance breaks and the first referee seemed happy giving seven yellow cards to the teachers. Despite this, the teacher seemed to be in good spirits after their victory.
“I feel amazing anytime I can beat children in sports,” said staff member Stephanie Dodd after the game.
