As April 29 reached its peak heat, the girls lacrosse team began setting up for their annual senior night. Their senior ceremony would begin in just a few hours, leading to decorated tables, hung-up banners and ecstatic smiles. Days prior, underclassmen players such as junior Samantha Ramirez took time to make posters and baskets for a designated senior. With 3:00 pm ticking closer, the five seniors–Laurette Gonzalez (9), Marley Acayan (16), Ella Roberts (11), Jacky Gonzalez (21) and Charlene Mares (12)–took pictures with friends, family and most importantly with their teammates. 

“Senior night feels like a birthday party. All the people who you love and love you come to celebrate and see you do something you are so passionate about. To me it feels like a token of appreciation because obviously we win and lose as a team but with senior night, the event is focused on seniors’ hard work and making our potentially last game as memorable as possible” Mares said. 

Later at 5:00 pm, the anticipated game against Mar Vista High (MVH) would begin. The tension from their last played game–where MVH won with a 9-8 lead in overtime–intensified the girls’ goal in winning for senior night. Although before the rivalry commenced, each senior took their turn walking down the field with their family as a speech played over the speakers. This honorary moment marked the significance of senior night as it would be the last game played before playoffs. 

Once every senior finished, an immediate circle formed between all players. As arms laced through each team member, captains Gonzalez and Acayan spent the next few minutes talking about the team and their memories. Members joined in, discussing the approaching game and fondness for the team. The group’s joyous atmosphere became sentimental as junior Soleil Ekstein began singing along to the speakers above, with members adding to the chorus. After, Coach Ahmad Rice entered the middle of the circle, contributing to its energy with a few-second dance. This memorable moment sparked the energy throughout the night and influenced the overall win for BVH.

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Junior Samantha Rodriguez becomes emotional amongst other teary teammates as the last few seniors reach the end of the field.

“This is probably the best performance we have seen through this whole year. We have had great results from previous games but in this one we were all having fun while working together, not one player’s energy dropped,” Acayan said. 

The circle broke with a large chant, leaving members to focus on the fast approaching game. With one hour to warm up, the energy created by the honorable event bled into the interactions, plays and win of the game. Both seniors and underclassmen alike were saddened by the departure of 2026 graduating students, but overall happy with their performance this season.

“The feeling was very nerve-wracking but happy because I have spent so much time with these seniors. This specific game was one of the most stressful–since we had lost to MVH before in overtime–but I am happy that we all came together and won,” Ramirez said.

Filled bleachers marked the start of the game. Within the first two quarters, the BVH girls scored eight goals against MVH, evidently harnessing their energy from hours prior. As the third quarter started, MVH scored three goals within the period. No hesitation or despair occurred from BVH, as in the last minute of the fourth quarter, Gonzalez scored the last point in the entire game, making BVH lead 9-3. In regards to the last game played with MVH, this win marked an obstacle overcome for all players.

“It felt good to win not only because we lost to them last time, but because the whole team fought for it. We all shared the same goal and motivation which lead to an enhanced amount of our team chemistry,” Mares said. “The team had a great chemistry and energy level, because not only were playoffs on the line, so was the victory on senior night. Everyone fought and played hard because we all were so driven.”

As the last second passed, all BVH members erupted in a celebratory roar, running across the field into passionate hugs. They quickly lined up, recognizing the other team and high-fiving them in good sportsmanship. Another eruption occurred as all seniors ran to their group of friends waiting on the field, accepting posters and flowers. Despite the “bittersweet” moment, which Acayan expressed, all members of the team were excited for the seniors and their future.

“I want them to know that I am always wishing them the best and I know that they will accomplish great things,” Ramirez said. I will miss them and I thank them for a great 2026 season.”