This year has been a year of ups and downs, struggles and successes, tears of sorrow and tears of joy. But, what helped us make it through the year were our seniors. They have had a lot of experience, more than anyone else on the team, and they shared that experience with the rest of the team. The three seniors were ladies that handed out their friendship to everyone on the team and were always there if someone needed to talk. They respected each player and handed back constructive criticism if they saw something wrong in a player. They reached out to help the whole team and took it upon themselves to make sure we had a successful year this year. Each of them worked hard every day in practice and expected the same result from everyone else on the team. Thanks to their hard work and expectations and goals of this season we are playing in the MCC Conference Tournament! When we were going through our slump of several losses in a row, the seniors gathered us all together in the Cougar Room and wanted to hear our thoughts and opinions on what the team should do to get back on the winning track. Since then, we have been on a roll and playing as good as we have all season. Sierra, Lexi and Whitney are all players that we could look to for a basket when we were in a drought or in need of a big steal at the end of the game. Our team wouldn't be the same without them, and we hope to keep the season alive by striving and playing well in the MCC Tournament.

Alexis Harkins is from Canal Fulton and has one of the sweetest jump shots I have ever seen. When she pulls up to shoot, very rarely does the ball not go through the hoop. She always comes to practice with a smile on her face and even if she was really angry you still wouldn't be able to notice because that beautiful smile of hers would still be on her face. Lexi is a loving and caring person who has worked hard her four years at MVNU by dealing with basketball and nursing as well. She is a very busy person, but still finds time to bake us cookies and brownies for holidays!! And on our team if you bake us food we will always love you for that. Lexi also lead us in small group this year and did a wonderful job leading our team spiritually as well. She has a great passion for the Lord and works hard to share that passion with everyone else. Our team wouldn't be the same without her and we will miss her very much next year, both on and off the court.

Sierra Fletcher is from Utica and has played at MVNU for three years. She transferred in her sophomore year and has made an impact on our team since day one. One thing I love about Sierra is how much she loves her family! She always takes time out of warm-ups to go over and talk to her little sisters or praise them about the picture they drew at the game. Not only does she care about her family, but she cares about the team as well. If someone is upset or someone has a prayer request, she is always the first to ask later on how that prayer request is going. She genuinely cares about everyone's lives. On the court, every day she plays like it is a game day. Whether she knows it or not, it makes the rest of the team better because we then have to play just as hard to keep up with her. She will make shots that you have no idea how they went in but they did! And we don't complain about it...we just stare and each other and cheer for her. She has blessed each player on this team by being who she is and next year won't be the same without her on the court.

Whitney Levering is from Fredericktown and has played at MVNU for two years. She also transferred in, but it was her junior year when she made the wonderful decision to come to MVNU. She is a farm girl that loves to hunt deer and be out in the woods. She will gladly take the girls on the team out to the farm to go four-wheeler riding or to see the horses/steers. Her parents are probably our number one fans making it to every game whether it is home or away. And trust me, no distance is too far for them to come watch. It's like the game isn't the same if Whitney's parents weren't there to cheer us on. On the court, Whitney has a sweet 3-point shot to go along with her slick inside moves as well. She is a beast inside and can dominate the boards. She has been a great leader for us and strives to make everyone better. Thank you, Whitney, for working hard every day and being a leader for this team!

As you can see our seniors are pretty special people and our team wouldn't be the same without them. Tournament time is an exciting time of the year and the team looks to win tonight against Bethel and keep on winning after that. Thank you, seniors, for everything you have done this year and this blog is a tribute to you!