Last Thursday night, the Birdcage came together to celebrate the seniors of the girls and boys soccer teams. The senior celebration took place between the girls’ game against Bridges Prep and boys’ game against Pinewood Prep. After the win, the girls walked out with their parents while their accomplishments and remarks were read to those in attendance. 

There were seven seniors on the team this season; Maya Thompson, Emma Morrison, Kristen McLeod, Livia Carroll, Avery Voelkel, Lily Hutson, and Maile Merklein. Maya Thompson will be attending the University of South Carolina Honors College where she will major in marketing. Congratulations Maya and go Gamecocks! Emma will be attending the University of Georgia where she will major in mathematics. Congratulations Emma and go Dawgs! Kristen will be attending Mercer University where she will major in international business and political science. Congratulations Kristen and go Bears! Livia will be attending the University of South Carolina where she will major in business. Congratulations Livia and go Gamecocks! Avery will be attending the University of South Carolina where she will major in Environmental Studies. Congratulations Avery and go Gamecocks! Lily will be attending the University of South Carolina where she will major in Biological Sciences. Congratulations Lily and go Gamecocks! Maile will be attending the University of South Carolina Lancaster where she will play soccer. Congratulations Maile and go Lancers!

The girls’ game began at 5:30 with all seven seniors on the starting lineup, including two unfamiliar faces up top. As some of you may know, Maya Thompson and Emma Morrison have been splitting time in goal for the past four years, rotating who will start each game. As it was senior night and impossible for both of them to start in goal, they decided to play the game as forwards. The team played balls into them in hopes they would score their first goals in their four years on varsity, and they did not disappoint. Within the first five minutes, Maya’s shot soared right past the goalkeeper into the back of the net. A little while later, Emma found the back of the net after a few great touches. In between these remarkable moments from the usual goalkeepers, seniors Kristen McLeod and Lily Hutson each got a goal of their own. Senior Maile Merklein also found the back of the net later on in the second half. Mattie Vermette, Hanna Ismail, and Evie Walldorf also scored goals. The game ended with a score of 9-0.

Following the game, the seniors walked out with their parents and were given gifts by their teammates. It was a great night!

The regular season has now come to an end for the Raptors and playoffs will start on Tuesday May, 2. Despite a rocky regular season, the team looks to use the survive and advance method all the way through the playoffs. Come out and support your Raptor soccer teams for one last time this week and seniors don’t miss your last chance to be in the birdcage. Go Raptors!