The boys varsity volleyball team went up against the Newton South Lions on Thursday, May 25 in the Schluntz Gymnasium for senior night and their last game of the regular season before playoffs. After a hard fought game, the Warriors won in the fifth set.

The first set began with a series of spikes that sent the ball soaring over the net. The Warriors scored three uninterrupted points before the Lions blocked one of their spikes and deflected the ball, winning them their first point and bringing the score to 3-1.

The score stayed relatively even until the Warriors went on a six point streak with one point to win with the score at 24-19.

After a series of technical calls and shots on the net, the score rested at 24-23 for the Warriors. With the crowd on the edge of their seats, the Lions spiked the ball over the net and out of the court and the Warriors won the first set.

After a short break, the game was back on for the second set. The Warriors won the first two points. The Warriors then capitalized on this momentum and extended their lead to 7-3.

The Warriors did not let the Lions derail their efforts and were able to keep the score relatively equal until the Lions pulled ahead to 21 points, leaving the Warriors at 17.

Finally, the set ended on a technical call leaving the score at 21-25 and giving the Lions their first set.

With the sets tied at 1-1, the Lions started with the ball, giving the Warriors the first point when the ball was hit on the ceiling and deflected back onto the ground.

The Lions then brought the score to a 12 point Brookline deficit at 9-21. The Warriors broke the Lions 3-15 run when they were able to score 5 points bringing the score to 14-24. The Lions then spiked the ball and won the set at 14-25.

Freshman and outside hitter Nicolas Gutierrez said the Lions winning their second set played a key role in the team’s mindset.

“After the third set the team really got excited, and especially the seniors because they wanted to show what they can do at their best. The crowd also got fired up and the energy increased,” Gutierrez said.

With an electric Brookline crowd cheering them on, the Warriors began the fourth set with the ball. The Warriors took an initial two point lead by blocking the ball at the net and deflecting it onto the Lions’ side.

The Warriors began to consistently score, firing up the crowd and bringing the score to 21-10. The only upset of the night came after the Warriors missed a hard spike down the side. After the boos of the crowd, the refs came together to deliberate. They decided that the ball did go in, bringing the score to 22-10.

The Warriors easily won the set, ending with another hard spike down the side, bringing the score to 25-11 and the sets to 2-2.

With both teams eager to win, the Lions began with the ball, scoring first with a fast shot to the back. The score then stayed close until 7-7 when the Warriors began to pull away.

With the score at 13-10 a timeout was called and each team went to discuss their strategy for the final points. Coming back from the timeout, the Warriors quickly finished the match at 15-11.

After the game ended, Brookline fans rushed onto the court to celebrate the win.

Head coach Dana Jones said the Warriors had a good game and were determined to win.

“I’m really proud of the team, especially the seniors. They stuck in it even when we were down two sets to one and got some good shots in there and ended up leading the team to win the fifth set,” Jones said.

Gutierrez said the team spirit was strong.

“Everyone participates and helps make the energy during games and practice great. Tonight the energy was great, the crowd cheering was also a big part of that,” Gutierrez said.

After the game, there was a small ceremony where every senior was given a signed volleyball. Senior and captain Cameron Jilek said he is eager to show what he can accomplish before he leaves.

“I don’t think I’ve fully processed that it’s my last regular season game here,” Jilek said. “I don’t think I went as far as I could today so I’m definitely looking forward to the playoffs so that I can end on a high.”