Although Clinton’s Jessica Pate is the only senior currently playing on the Dark Horse volleyball court this year, she has enough team spirit, she said, to keep the team going.

“As the role of a leader, I keep the team pumped up,” Pate revealed during senior night Friday, Oct. 16. “I try to keep the hype up and not let them get down.”

In order to keep the “hype” up on the court, Pate utilizes high five’s and her voice, she shared.

“We say things like 1-2-3 break; ace, ace, ace; and boom, boom, it’s boomer time,” Pate explained as a few of the slogans used to keep the spirits up on the court.

Pate, who has been playing volleyball since elementary school, said that she started the sport because her older sister played.

On the court, Pate shares the role of the outside hitter and the libero.

“I’ve played libero for part of the year, but I like to play outside hitter,” Pate admitted.

According to her explanation, the libero is supposed to be the best player on the court, which can be a good amount of pressure for one person.

“When you mess up, the whole team looks down on you,” Pate conveyed, adding that when playing the libero, she has to wear a different color jersey on the court.

“The other teams then know that you’re a good passer and throw it to you almost every time,” Pate explained.

Although the spirit-filled senior enjoys playing volleyball, she confirmed Friday that her true passion lies in cheerleading.

“I like to cheer. It involves everyone; whereas in volleyball, there are only six players on the court. You are definitely more involved,” Pate stated.

According to Pate, she cheers for a local squad called The Extreme Spirit, where she is the base position during stunting routines.

The Extreme Spirit also will attend a competition in Raleigh this November.

As for her nerves, Pate expressed that she was not nervous because she has been cheering for so long, nearly 10 years to be exact.

Looking toward the future, Pate said she is hopeful to attend East Carolina University, where she plans to play club volleyball and cheer for the university.

But as for the end of the Dark Horse volleyball season, Pate shared Friday before her senior debut, “I’ll miss having to run suicides and arguing with coach J (Jennifer Honeycutt). From the girls, I’ll miss the good times and them making me laugh.”

Jessica Wagner can be contacted at (910) 592-8137 ext.122 or reached by e-mail at siphoto@myclintonnc.com