CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — It's a big night for area high school volleyball teams as their season officially began tonight despite the COVID-19 pandemic.
For players, coaches and spectators, Monday’s games were a long time in coming.
It’s something we haven’t seen since spring break in March. Actual high school competition between two schools.
Tonight, it was Calallen hosting Sinton in volleyball.
But in order for this game to be played, a stringent set of rules were set in place.
Everyone in attendance had to answer health screening questions.
No one was allowed into the arena if they had a temperature of 100 degrees or greater.
Masks were required.
And to limit capacity, only two fans per player were allowed to attend. And once in, families had to sit at least six feet apart.
And as for the game itself, there were lots of adjustments in place.
"On the floor it's going to be different because the kids of course are used to shaking hands and so the officiating has taken care of that,” Calallen girls athletic coordinator Lupe Cardona said. “Normally, the kids will switch benches, but tonight none of that.”
Monday’s match was a night these players have dreamed about since the shutdown of all athletic competition five months ago.
"It’s really a big day for me especially because I am a senior and it's my last first game and it's just great to be back on the court,” Calallen setter Hannah Morris said. “I prayed for it, definitely a lot.”
Sinton players were just as excited about starting their season.
“We have been waiting for this day to come,” Sinton outside hitter Autumn Moses said. “And for us to actually be here, we are pumped and ready to go.”
And when both teams took the court, it was a special time for both squads.
“We are just blessed to be able to get on the floor today and be able to play because that's what we have been working for,” Cardona said.
So Monday’s games were a start for all volleyball players hoping they can play a full season in 2020.