MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake High School Mavericks (5-11) concluded their regular season Thursday night as they celebrated senior night. Though the Mavs ended up falling to West Valley 3-0, Head Coach Krystal Trammel-Walt said recognizing what this team can do will be important to their future. 

"What we can take away is the fact that they're working on next year now and they're doing well," said Trammell-Walt. "They're very impressive. We know what the league loses, we know we lose and where we're at the future's really bright and the girls know that and they have the complete buy in of that."  

Senior Maddy Witwer, has been out for the last few weeks due to injury and was unable to play again Thursday. Though she was unable to play, the senior remained an active participant on the sideline all night and was given an opportunity to shine on the court. 

"We recognized her in a special way, letting her serve before the match for the last time on the court," said Trammell-Walt. 

Moses Lake started out the first set building a lead over West Valley which eventually grew to 12-8. Strong serves from Alivia DeHoog extended the lead to 14-9 before the Rams called time.  

The Mavs maintained their lead for most of the set, but the Rams went on a run to close the gap then take a one-point lead at 21-20. Moses Lake battled to keep things close until the very end, which took both teams deep into the set. 

Both teams had opportunities to close things out, but it was West Valley that got the advantage to win 27-25. 

West Valley took an early lead in the second set, but Moses Lake was never too far behind throughout. MLHS worked to cut into the West Valley lead after getting to 15-11, but the Rams held strong to keep their gains. 

The Mavs brought things closest at 18-16, but the Rams stayed consistent to win 25-20. 

Starting the third set, West Valley proved dominance as they built a 9-3 lead early on. This persisted as the Rams built up a 10-point lead over the Mavs late into the game. 

Even when down MLHS stayed competitive until the very end, making dives and picking up their defense to try and bring themselves back into the game. West Valley remained closed out the game with a 25-13 win in the third set. 

"The girls were pumped; they were ready," said Trammell-Walt. "They came out in the first set, the second set on fire. Things were clicking, they were great, but (we had) mistakes at the wrong time and we just couldn't finish it." 

Thursday was also an opportunity to recognize the efforts of the varsity seniors Maddy Witwer and Hannah Crozier. The coach said both girls have been in the volleyball program for all four years and have each contributed in different ways. 

"Hannah seems to be a little quieter type of player, fundamentally sound and likes to get things done where Wit is a little more outgoing and that captain type," said Trammell-Walt. "They really complement each other." 

This game marking the end of the regular season also brought reflection with thanks given to both members of the team and coaching staff. Moses Lake's C-Team coach Shanna Colladay was recognized by Trammell-Walt for her cookie contributions throughout this season.  

Trammell-Walt said those cookies are a part of their team that the girls, and others surrounding the team, have become dependent on. 

The coach said the Mavs have seen strong improvement on their roster throughout this season as the team has worked to grow together. 

"Even our honorary captains, who are both coaches and teachers at the high school, say this is a completely different team than last year. You could just see that they gel better, they work better together," she said. "The nucleus is just all those girls, the dynamic is completely different and people notice the difference." 

Though there was plenty of season reflection at MLHS Thursday, there also remained a sense of determination as the Mavs' season isn't over yet. Moses Lake took the sixth seed in the District 5 tournament which sets them up for the opening round against AC Davis. 

The coach said in their postgame huddle Thursday, the conversation was about stepping up to earn a win in districts. 

"We have to dig deep," said Trammell-Walt. "Who can dig deep enough in their hearts to say, 'I want this.' Who's going to drive the boat? Who's going to push everyone else?" 

The Mavs begin district play on the road against AC Davis Tuesday at 6 p.m. 

BOX SCORE 

WVLY: 27-25-25: 3 

MLHS: 25-20-13: 0 

    Hannah Crozier, a senior from the Mavs, successfully blocks a hit over the net from the Rams Thursday evening.
  

    Alivia DeHoog, a junior from Moses Lake, steps up to serve the ball in Thursday's game against West Valley.
  

    MLHS junior Ava Garbe saves the play as she bumps up the ball while Head Coach Krystal Trammell-Walt watches with excitement.
  

    Hadley Whittall, a junior from the Mavs, leaps up to go for the kill Thursday evening against the Rams.
  

    Mavs junior Ella Wiltbank responds to a serve from the Rams while her teammate, junior Alivia DeHoog, keeps a close eye on things nearby.