When the game is over and the scores are final, there’s usually a somber atmosphere looming over the losing team. For those who left their heart out on the courts and were met with a bitter taste of loss, it can be hard to want to get up and try again. Though those times may be tough, Ryenn Agbulos, senior, finds a way to look on the bright side and always remain positive for her team.

Agbulos started playing her freshman year but didn’t come out again until this year. She decided to come back after wanting a break from playing softball all year and has played mostly in the left back ever since.

On Oct. 25, all levels of girls volleyball had their last game of the season against Cesar Chavez High School. To Agbulos and her two fellow seniors on the varsity team, it was the last game of their high school careers. In honor of their last game and Breast Cancer Awareness month, Agbulos made pink tie dye shirts for the seniors. The day only got better for her from there.

“When I was at the game just felt like I was in that environment where I could have fun and be happy.”

That day is Agbulos’ favorite memory from the sport. It started out good due to going out, getting food with her teammates and helping them think of what to say about the seniors. After she was given leis filled with chips and being recognized by her coach as a senior, Agbulos couldn’t be happier.

“Just to have the spotlight and real recognition that we’ve been here all four years just felt great.”

Once the game started, it was a tough match from start to finish. Though the team ended up losing in the end, Agbulos felt that they could’ve won but did do well despite the difficulty.

“As a team I think we did great even if we lost because we grew as a team and became closer.”

Her last game is one instance of how Agbulos is still able to find happiness in the saddest of moments for the team. The inside jokes they’ve made and the things she’s learned hold a special place in her heart. As she reflects back on the season, she looks at the losses not as a bitter defeat, but as learning and fun moments.

“We lost a lot honestly but just because we lose doesn’t mean we didn’t have fun,” Agbulos said. “It’s still a team sport so the next day after a loss we would shake it off and move on to get better.”