School spirit high at varsity volleyball game

A yell sounded in the crowd and more followed. Names could be heard and the pounding of feet could be felt. Screams then erupted from every Raider.

On the evening of Sept. 19, the volleyball team took on Sherman High School at home. Junior varsity and freshmen teams as well as a crowd of supporters were in the stands to cheer on the varsity girls.

Fans were proudly supporting their team with Raider t-shirts, encouraging signs and most importantly, loud, catchy cheers.

“We could not stop cheering and shouting,” freshman Alexandra Barrientos said. “We were all just jumping and did a victory dance when Wylie would score a point.”

As the first point was scored the crowd sprang into action and a chant was heard almost immediately.

“The cheers really helped us out, they would get us really excited,” Kylee Kap, freshman varsity player, said.

The audience held up signs, some which said “Brittney #1”and “We love you Hayley.”

“One teenager had a sign of the Haylee Keisler’s face and one girl had a sign that said ‘Go Raiders,’” Barrientos said.

The stands and the team worked together to beat Sherman High School 3-1.

“We were all jumping out of our seats,” Paula Giraldo, parent of freshmen volleyball player Maria Restrepo, said. “I could see happiness; people were high-fiving their neighbor. At the same time, I felt bad for the other team because they gave it their all but lost.”

But what else led the Raiders to an outstanding victory aside from their skill? Barrientos says it is because of the encouraging cheers.

“Whenever the crowed cheers for us, it makes me feel pumped and more confident in myself and the rest of the team,” Alyssa Cortez, sophomore varsity player, said.

As the night came to a finish, some left with great memories.

“When we (the Raiders) would score, everyone sitting at the home side would jump out of their seats,” Barrientos said. “I will always remember my friend’s faces and the way we all cheered together for the win. It’s going to be one of those cool memories.”