The Mills volleyball team finished its season with a three-game loss to Pacific Union College on Sunday, ending with a season record of 0-18.
Sunday’s game ended quickly, taking approximately 90 minutes. Showing improvement over the three games, Mills lost the first game 30-21, the second 30-22 and the third 30-24. “We really left our hearts on the floor, we played harder than I think we’ve ever played,” said volleyball player Nina Rubenstein.
The crowd was full of supporters for Mills, including members of the cross-country, crew and soccer teams. President Janet Holmgren was also present for the last match.
One PUC supporter brought a bullhorn to cheer on her team, so members of the cross-country team invented their own horns using Dixie cups in response.
Sunday was also the team’s Senior Night, honoring graduating seniors Kate Paisley and Nikki Fitzgibbon with flowers and a short speech by head coach Marla Mundis.
“I’m going to really miss the team, the players, the coaching staff, everything. But there’s always the alumnae match to come too!” said Fitzgibbon. The team also honored athletic trainer Bridget Mansell and athletic director Themy-Jo Adachi.
“I came out because it was the last game and I wanted to cheer on my friends,” said freshwoman Maya Oubre.
The first game went quickly, PUC took an early lead and Mills struggled to come back. For every ball Mills hit, PUC was there to return it. Junior Nadia Ghani made spectacular saves, diving to reach every ball, but it wasn’t quite enough. “Nadia really stands out as a team player. She communicates with every member of her team and is determined to win,” said junior Nikki DaSilva.
The second and third games went by just as quickly; PUC got fast leads and ran with them, but Mills kept playing. Although they lost, the team still had a good outlook on the game and the season as a whole.
“I think that with a few exceptions, every match we played was better than the last,” said Rubenstein.
