The Fossil Ridge volleyball team put an exclamation point on their home schedule, as they defeated the Loveland Red Wolves 3-0.

The Sabercats completely outmatched Loveland, as they took an early lead and never looked back. Fossil won the first set 25-10, looking miles better than their opponents.

Fossil faced adversity in their second set, as the Red Wolves started to play more competitively. The Sabercats never waivered, and won the second set 25-19.

It was all elementary from that point, as the Sabercats cruised by the third set, winning 25-8. Fossil’s +38 point differential was their second largest victory of the season, and their largest in league play.

The day was all about Fossil’s senior night celebration, where they honored their final year players with their families. The Sabercat seniors included Melanie Hicks, Quinn VanMaanen, and Mirissa Ogimachi. Ogimachi spoke about the moment and the ceremony.

“I was standing there and it just hit me, this is my last home game ever, it was really sad. When I was out on the court I knew I had to just play, since it was my last game,” Ogimachi said.

Ogimachi does not get a lot of playing time during most games, but was placed into this game as her coaches and teammates showed their trust in her. She looked great in her extended playing time, making several key returns and being a leader out on the court.

“It was a lot of fun, I did my best. I just went out and showed up,” Ogimachi said.

Mirissa Ogimachi has a unique relationship with the Fossil fans, as she has her name chanted during every home game, and is greeted with a thunderous applause every time she checks in.

“Just a lot of friends who support me…even though I’m a bench player, it’s nice to see all the love,” Ogimachi said.

Ogimachi said that her favorite moment in a Fossil uniform was winning the Front Range League last year. Fossil were unable to repeat as league champions, securing second place behind undefeated Broomfield. 

The Sabercats will play their final league match of the year at cross-town rival Poudre on October 26.