With tears streaming down her face, Lawrence High’s Emily Renfro served the final ball of the night.

“It just hit me … that it was my last game,” said Renfro, her eyes still watering. “I’ve had fun all three years, and I don’t want to give it up yet. I’m not ready.”

The Lions’ volleyball quad Tuesday night became emotional for players, coaches and parents as it represented the last game in the LHS gymnasium for seniors Renfro, Sydnei Tolefree and Amanda Weishaar.

The seniors experienced a disappointing 10-24 season, but they capped their senior night with an impressive performance. Coach Molly LaMere called it the team’s best showing “by far.” The Lions did not lose a game, sweeping Leavenworth Immaculata, Topeka West and Emporia.

“It’s amazing that we get to go 3-0 during our last home quad,” Tolefree said.

LHS defeated Immaculata, 25-12, 25-9; Topeka West, 25-7, 25-15 and Emporia, 25-15, 25-19.

After the victory against Topeka West, the school held a brief intermission to honor the seniors. Each girl stood with her parents and received LHS-red roses from teammates as officials announced their names. Several took pictures, and the girls culminated the celebration with a group hug.

That would not serve as the only celebration of the night. A postgame banquet awaited the seniors.

“There’s lot of baby pictures, cake and memories,” Weishaar said.

Players and coaches attributed that emotion – rather than X’s and O’s – to the team’s dominating victories.

“Everybody’s intensity was just up,” LaMere said. “Volleyball’s a game where it’s all mental. Excitement is contagious, and momentum can just carry you through a game.”

Spurred by that energy, the Lions dove for numerous balls on the defensive end. On the offensive side, they set up teammates and delivered accurate kill shots.

“We passed great tonight,” LaMere said. “We were pounding balls tonight … spiking it to where we wanted to go and putting some power behind it.”

Each of the seniors made strong contributions Tuesday and during the entire season. Renfro leads the team in passing efficiency, Tolefree leads the team in blocks, and Weishaar leads the team in hitting efficiency.

In addition to their performance on the court, LaMere praised the seniors’ leadership. They forged a strong chemistry despite the season’s many heartbreaking losses.

“This year’s the closest any of our teams have been,” Tolefree said. “We just love each other.”

That close-knit team will continue its season Saturday at Olathe Northwest for sub-state.

But LaMere already had begun reminiscing.

“They’re kids you’ve been with for three years, and you get to know them so well,” she said. “They’re going to be adults soon.”