Under the bright lights of the House of Glory, the Varsity Women’s Volleyball team turned rivalry into triumph with a statement win over Mater Dei.
On Sept. 18, the energy inside the gym was electric as the team defended their home court with teamwork and relentless determination. This match was more than just a win–it was a defining moment that showcased their strength and unity on their biggest stage.
For Boyana Pesic ‘28, this victory against Mater Dei meant more than just a mark in the win column–it was redemption. “Last year we got reversed swept which was pretty embarrassing, so this year we really wanted to beat them,” Pesic explained. “Winning the game truly showed how great our team is because playing them was really tough.”
With the memory of last season still fueling their drive, the team’s determination was clear on the court. Through hard practices and consistent preparation, they turned last year’s disappointment into one of the program’s most defining wins.
But preparation went beyond the drills. “We all practiced very hard and practiced like how we were going to play. But we also had tons of team bondings that helped us mentally prepare for this game so that we could feel more like a team rather than individual athletes,” Pesic said. Even in tense moments, her teammates reminded her to reset and take the game one point at a time, keeping composure at the forefront of their performance.
Ready and united, the players drew energy from the crowd.
The roaring student section and passionate fans turned the House of Glory into a wall of sound that fueled the team from start to finish. “Throughout the game, the fans stayed positive and loud which helped keep us from falling apart and dwelling on mistakes because they filtered in the positivity that we needed to stay hype and upbeat,” explained Charlie Wilson ‘26. With support from the baseball team and the rest of the student body, they all erupted in celebration after key plays, putting smiles and pure joy on the entire volleyball team. By the end of the game, the gym was buzzing with exhilaration, a perfect blend of athletic achievement and community pride.
As the final point landed, the team celebrated a hard-earned victory, their teamwork and focus paying off against a tough rival. This game was more than just a result—it reflected the effort, preparation and unity that the team had built all season. Walking off the court, it was clear that this win would be remembered not just for the score, but for how the players and fans came together to make it a defining moment. You could say, Gorman truly ‘Mater-Dei-feated’ their rivals.
