The Black and White

by Emilia Koopman (Photos by Jillian Mastrostefano)

The Pilgrim girls volleyball team ended their 2025 season on a high note, beating Burrillville 3-0. This game was extra special as it was the girls senior night celebrating the five seniors: Shannon Weaver, Avery Marques, Laryssa Farrell, Chloe Atwood, and Lauryn Newman.

The gymnasium was decked out in black, white, and gold streamers, as well as balloons to celebrate the seniors. Posters of the seniors were hung up, showing special highlights of their time on the team. The stands were packed, watching the seniors play one last time. The ceremony started with a walkout, each senior announced as their closest family members walked them onto the court. 

This game was very competitive in each set, often with scores very close, but always with Pilgrim coming out on top. What set Pilgrim apart from Burrillville leading them to victory, was their communication. The girls worked very well together, calling every shot and communicating through every point. Perfect sets from Kaelyn Shea leading to multiple kills from Shannon Weaver, Amelia Holmes, and Avery Marques. Shannon’s numerous aces also had a tremendous impact on the team winning. 

A celebration for the seniors was held after the game. Baskets of gifts bought by the underclassmen were handed to the seniors. Smiles came from the seniors as they went through their own personalized gift baskets. Letters were written from every player, leaving the seniors in tears as they read them.

As the celebration came to a close, along with their season, both senior captains, Shannon Weaver and Avery Marques, opened up about their experiences on the team. Shannon says “I joined this team barely knowing how to play the sport freshman year and I ended up meeting my best friends and finding a new love for a sport.” Avery says that volleyball “has helped me become more confident and make new friendships I could’ve never seen coming.” 

As much as the team is saddened to see the five seniors leave, they are grateful for the memories and guidance they have from them.