Eisenhower’s Paisley Lawson and Sheffield’s Emma Roell. Times Observer Photo by Steve Younger

Eisenhower’s dramatic five-set comeback victory over host Sheffield on Thursday was a happy ending for one side and “a profound feeling of loss” for the other.

In her last high school game, senior Caroline Smyth had 12 kills, five blocks and two aces in Ike’s 22-25, 18-25, 25-12, 25-17, 16-14 victory.

Senior Marissa Gourley had nine kills and four aces, Alanna Byrd five kills, two blocks, four aces, and a six-serve streak to finish the fifth set after taking 14-10.

“We are graduating four seniors, including two starters and the two tallest players on my team,” said Eisenhower coach Lori Pascuzzi. “Caroline Smyth is every coach’s dream. She is a natural leader and has the most positive attitude of any player I’ve ever encountered. She encourages every single person on the court at all times. She will be deeply missed both because of her skill as a volleyball player and her personality. Marissa Gourley is one of the most naturally athletic players and she really came into her own this year as an outside hitter. This is only her third year playing volleyball and she stepped up to being a team captain and shared in that leadership role with Smyth. She pushes herself and her teammates to get better every day. She will also leave big shoes to fill next year. Alexis Davis is another outstanding athlete and she started playing volleyball last year. I’ve told her time and time again how I wished she had played since she was young. She made incredible improvement from last year to this. Unfortunately, her strength was her defensive play and we have many strong defensive players who are younger but have more experience. She pushed those younger players to step up their game and was always encouraging and willing to fill any role she was asked. Rhiannon Cook is our last senior and also improved tremendously. She was our clutch server and stepped in for several different players. I could count on her to put the ball where I called it.”

Paisley Lawson added four kills, two blocks, three aces, and Lainey Font four kills and two aces as the Knights came back from down 2-0.

“They play their hearts out till the very end, which is why we were able to come back that last set and win the match,” added Pascuzzi. “I’m proud of Alanna Byrd, who happens to be my daughter, because she has struggled with serving consistency throughout the year. Tonight, she knew what needed to be done and was able to serve six straight to close out that final set and her team was right there behind her, playing defense and making the attacks we needed to close it out.”

For Sheffield head coach Melissa Lemay, “It’s not even the loss tonight,” she said. “It’s a profound feeling of loss, loss of this program.”

With the possibility of the high school closing, Sheffield’s last home match ended with a five-set loss.

“I wanted them to go out with a win, but I believe that they left it all on the court tonight,” said Lemay. “We talked about having no regrets since there’s no do-over, no more practice, no next year. They played hard, with the heart of a Wolverine. I can’t ask for more.”