Senior Lulu Mickle dribbled down the field in bright pink socks, weaving between defensive players. With only six minutes left in the game, Lulu could bring her team the win. This would not only be their first conference game win, but also a senior day win.

“We really wanted to win for our seniors. We wanted to play to the best of our ability because we wanted to show up for our seniors the way that they have shown up for us the past couple of years,” said Hillary Grieveson, a current sophomore. 

Wednesday, October 9th was the IAAM Soccer Varsity Senior Day. Around 4:15 people started to gather on the bleachers to watch the team take on Concordia Prep. Each senior wore a pair of neon pink socks, given to them by their team. 

“Well, going in, I always think that we’re gonna win because I’m positive, but I knew it was gonna be a hard game, they’re top of the conference,” said Scarlett Davis, one of the seniors being celebrated. 

Friends played Concordia at the very beginning of the preseason. Hillary described it as a tough game. The Quakers won, but that game showed the team everything that they needed to work on this season. This was the team’s chance to prove to themselves that they had improved over the season. 

As the game started, both teams were eager to score the first goal. The first shot was made by a Concordia player, aiming for the left corner of the goal. The ball was deflected.

Next Amira Dancer, a junior, shot but missed the goal. The teams went back and forth, each almost scoring multiple goals until Concordia scored their first goal with 23 minutes left in the period. Concordia extended their lead by scoring with 16 minutes left in the period.

After this, Friends finally woke up and took control. They blocked ball after ball. They took shot after shot but unfortunately, Concordia was able to block all the shots. 

With just ten minutes left in the half, junior Daryn Barnes dribbled up the field and shot the ball past the goalie into the upper right corner of the net. The crowd erupted! 

 “Don’t yell at each other, be nice to each other, and push each other to do your best,” Scarlett said to the team as everyone gathered in a circle for halftime. She told them, “It’s a winnable game, don’t put your head down.”

Everyone was sitting down except for Scarlett, who was standing up and walking around. Later, Hillary reflected on the difference this made.

“Scarlett [is] a very positive person, both on and off the field, and she really channels the energy and brings it. So I think that definitely helped a lot,” said Hillary. 

Scarlett’s pep talk during halftime seemed to help. The Quakes came back to the game with what seemed like a newfound energy. The team blocked attack after attack from Concordia. 

It seemed like this would be how the rest of the game was going to go until Indigo Mosley, a junior, made an incredible pass to Daryn. Daryn took this chance to race up the field and shoot the ball, tying the game 2-2. 

If the team was able to keep up their current momentum and were able to score one more goal they would be able to win senior day. And just like that, with 6 minutes left in the game, Lulu stole the ball, dashing up the field toward Concordia’s goal.

“Oh my god, I can’t look!” yelled junior Nora Ryscavage, who was sitting on the bleachers watching. She covered her eyes with her hands as Lulu dodged Concordia’s defensive players and shot the ball. The goalie just missed the ball as it soared through the air and into the net. 

The Quakes kept their lead for the rest of the game. As soon as it was over they all ran to each other jumping and screaming in celebration. They had just won their first conference game and their senior day. 

“We get to share a message with our seniors and show them how much they’ve had an impact on our lives and show how grateful we are for them and all that they do for us,” said Hillary. 

After the game, the team shared a dinner in the dining hall. Both teammates and coaches were able to give speeches to show their appreciation for the seniors Scarlett, Lulu, and Elaina. 

 “I think Maya’s [speech] stuck with me the most, because she was saying how I was like an older sister to her, and I started crying, and it was so sweet,” said Scarlett. 

Each speech highlighted something valuable that the seniors brought to the team. Scarlett said all the compliments were justified.

“Lulu is just so athletic and adapts so well. And she’s always there and always shows up for the team. Elaina, she’s always so high-spirited and always comes with energy. And she always makes sure our team is practicing like getting down to business,” she said. 

While she loves winning, Scarlett said having fun is more important. She said some of her favorite soccer memories are having fun after soccer games, even if the team has lost. Fortunately for the seniors, they also got to win on their senior day.