The girls’ volleyball team came away with a commanding win against Westwood last Wednesday night, securing the TVL Large championship and an undefeated regular season record while celebrating their senior night.

After winning their first matchup against Westwood in late September, the girls prepared for another close game as Westwood came to Hopkinton’s home gym.

Senior captain Kate Powers said the team was “feeling good walking into the game,” knowing that they had improved significantly since the last meeting.

Early, the Hillers fell behind and trailed 19-12 in the first set.

Powers said the team remained confident and was sure to not let this affect their mentality. On a 13-3 run, the girls came back from behind to win a close battle for the first set, ultimately winning 25-22. With a 1-0 lead, the Hillers gained control of the game.

Coming out in the second set, the Hillers’ momentum continued. After being tied at 9-9, the Hillers scored 10 consecutive points and ultimately won 25-15 to take the 2-0 lead over Westwood.

In the third set, Westwood was desperate to not let another one slip by and cost them the game. The two teams battled closely, but with a lucky play from senior captain Melanie Gildea, the Hillers were able to close out the game with a 25-21 win in the third set and sweep the match 3-0.

This game secured the Hillers’ undefeated regular season and won them the TVL Large Championship. The girls were ecstatic to achieve such an accomplishment not only for themselves but also for their coach, Gildea said.

Coach Margie Grabmeier has been heading the girls’ volleyball program since 2006, and this year will be her final season. Powers said the girls on the team are hoping to make a deep playoff run for her, and are thankful for the ability to be a part of her last season.

The team also honored its seven seniors during this game with decorations around the gym commemorating their time within the volleyball program.

“We became a close team very early in the season, which I think allows us to play even better together on the court. We are able to lift each other up when we are down and hype up each other when we are playing well,” Powers said.

“I’ve been playing this sport for a while and ending it with these girls is sad because of how many memories we’ve shared over the years. But there’s also no one else I would want to play my last year of volleyball with,” Gildea said.