Mount Si’s volleyball team rolled into the postseason by closing out their regular season last Wednesday, Oct. 28, against Bellevue.

On the way there, the squad took time to say thanks to two seniors whose contributions and leadership have been integral in the program’s growth.

Prior to the game, the Wildcats honored Shelagh Macaulay and Robyn Schirmer for their efforts over the last four years. The two seniors proceeded to lead a three-set sweep of the Wolverines. Scores were 25-13, 25-7, 25-18, as Mount Si finished the league schedule undefeated at 12-0. Schirmer and Macaulay both had solid nights; Schirmer had 31 assists, six aces and five digs, while Macaulay had 11 kills and 11 digs.

Wildcat coach Bonnie Foote praised her two leaders.

“I am going to miss them a lot,” she said. “They are hard workers on the court, off the court, an inspiration to me, an inspiration to every younger kid in our program.”

“I don’t even know where to begin,” Schirmer told the crowd. “It’s been such a blessing to play for such an amazing coach and to play with such an amazing program.”

The first frame saw the Wildcats break out to the lead, then maintain that throughout the set, with Macaulay and Zoe Gogan leading the way. Gogan finished with 15 kills and nine digs. Macaulay closed out the stanza with a service ace.

The middle set was dominated by Schirmer and Gogan, as their tough serving propelled Mount Si to a 19-3 run which put the frame away quickly. A Macaulay kill locked the door on set two.

Mount Si continued to put the pressure on in game three, but saw Bellevue mount a late rally with the Wildcats on match point up 24-14. The Wolverines rallied to within 24-18 before their block attempt flew out of bounds to seal the match in favor of Mount Si.

In a preview of what fans will see during the playoffs, Schirmer’s family came out and showed their support, which she says is key to her success.

“They’re my life,” Schirmer said. “I’d do anything for them, they’d do anything for me and it means the world just to see them.”

That family support rubs off on the rest of the team.

“The girls love my family, my family loves the girls,” Schirmer said. “They treat them as if they’re just like me. They love them just as if they’re part of the family.” Schirmer said.

In addition to the senior ceremonies, the program also raised money to help support Ryan Peterson, the 2-year-old son of former Skyline coach Mark Peterson, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. Three donation jars were carried around the stands, and concession proceeds were also donated to the effort.

The Wildcats played last weekend in the Kingco Tournament, and were expected to finish high in that competition, setting them up well for this week’s SeaKing District Tournament. Foote expects a tough fight ahead.

“We definitely have the best district in the state without question, so getting out of our district is going to be an accomplishment,” she said.

“We’ve really been putting a lot of emphasis on serving and passing,” Foote said.

“Play hard,” Macaulay told her younger teammates. “Work hard in the offseason and hard work is going to get you somewhere. There’s no excuse for not trying.”