The crowd waiting in anticipation for their favorite players!

Each year after the volleyball season ends, the girls’ team appears one last time to battle their rivals who have stood in the way of their victory for years – the Rush Art’s teachers themselves. Again this year, the game was completely dominated by the teachers with the Teacher Team consistently earning point after point, however our girls put up a tremendous fight.

The girls making their way onto the court!

Injured player, Melody Bloomquist, coaches her teammates!

The lineup for the teachers’ team consisted of history teachers, Mr. Katz and Mr. Byrne, math and physics teacher Mr. Goulet, gym teacher Mr. Corabi, instrumental teacher Mr. Marks, English teacher Bavaro, Nurse Judy and Spanish teacher and the girl’s own volleyball coach, Ms. Loinaz. The teachers strategically placed the naturally athletic teachers, Ms. Loinaz, Mr. Corabi, and Mr. Katz up front, followed by Mr. Marks, Mr. Goulet, and Mr. Byrne in the back row. Mr Goulet’s efficient serves allowed the teachers to pull ahead; the math and physics wiz never failed to earn the teacher’s team a point. Mr. Katz also took the role as an offensive spiker, which, when paired up with Ms. Loinaz precise sets, was an unstoppable cannon!

The teachers heading onto the court!

Defensively, Mr. Marks took the corner to receive incoming spikes; he was mostly successful during long rallies where he really had to hustle. Mr. Byrne and Nurse Judy were regularly subbed in to relieve other teachers when they were out of energy. Mr. Byrne stole several points for his team using his quick reflexes. Mr. Katz took the position of middle blocker and shut down the Rush Art’s Knights’ girls’ spikes consecutively by slamming it back to where it once came.

And the game begins!

Subs for both teams watch on!

Taunting between the two teams ensues!

The team’s scorekeeper, Terry Nguyen, on the sidelines!

The teachers took three out of the five sets, claiming victory for their team. However, our girls put up a great fight; their teamwork, skill, and technique were evident, however with the teachers’ increased height, size, and guidance from the volleyball coach herself, the Rush girls couldn’t keep up with this team of experienced adults. So far the teachers have won every year; it’s up to the girls next year to claim the champion spot of the school!

Written by: Michael Beaumont

Photography and editing by: Alexa Hanna

Video by: Sambat Ngy