Despite an overwhelming boys’ soccer victory over rival Faith Christian Lions, some students felt that Homecoming “under the lights” was marred by sexism.

Soccer players, students, teachers and parents filled the gym to capacity as the varsity volleyball team began their game against the Global Youth Charter School Bulldogs.

But after watching improper warm-ups—according to team members, the Bulldogs did not know how to do several drills—the girls realized that the game was going to be a joke, and the Cavs soon dominated.

The original spirit quickly evaporated when the first game was a blowout—25-7. By the end of the second game—25-6—most fans (aside from parents, a few students and the teachers) left.

Senior Sarah Rudy, who has embraced the role of cheering on the bench more than playing, was upset with the game.

“No one else was cheering. We were bored,” she said. “Everyone got to play and that was cool, but it wasn’t an accomplishment to play in that game.”

Senior Emily Repsher was also frustrated with the game noting that the girls rallied only four times. Everything else was a Cavalier ace or a Warrior serve out of bounds.

“It’s much more satisfying to win a game you work for, especially on Homecoming,” Repsher said. “I would’ve rather lost.”

Repsher and Winters contrasted this year’s Homecoming game to their sophomore game against Cornerstone Christian.

In that match, the girls were losing 2-1, but came back and won the fourth game and dominated the fifth game 15-5.

Their rally at the end proved a much more exciting finish, as they upset Cornerstone, and the crowd was involved every step of the way.

“We fed off the energy from the crowd,” Repsher said. “It was fun and no one wanted to leave. And we’re better this year [than three years ago]!”

Winters said that because the Homecoming game sets the standard for the entire season, the lack of competition at the game will affect attendance at future games.

She also noted that the Faith Christian volleyball team, heavy competition for the Cavs, was at the soccer game cheering on their boys’ team after a game at Bradshaw Christian.

Athletic director Matt Vargo said he scheduled the game against Global Youth months ago.

“It obviously wasn’t an ideal game,” Vargo said. “It’s hard to determine the strength of a team. We played three good basketball games against Global Youth.”

Several girls expressed frustration because the schedule change eliminated the popular Faith bus trip, when both teams travel to Yuba City on one bus and play the Lions.

On the other hand, the boys had a wonderful Homecoming match, defeating the Lions (the only league team they have lost to in the back-to-back league championship seasons), 3-0.

Inspired by the momentum from Homecoming night and huge fan turnout, the boys trounced their most challenging rivals.

And though Vargo feels that Homecoming games also pump up opponents, the girls say they would’ve beat Faith at Homecoming.

“We would’ve had the crowd on our side,” Repsher said.

Instead, the girls went to Faith Oct. 29, three days later, and lost 3-1; all close games according, especially since the girls were missing starting senior Cristina Hargrave.

Was the volleyball game against Global Youth scheduled so the girls would win their Homecoming game, quickly and the focus of the evening would be the boys’ soccer game? Repsher and Winters think so.

The seniors are now petitioning for another Homecoming game in hopes of drawing fans to a volleyball-focused evening.