Cove’s Ranes, Eubanks relish one last time on court together

By TJ MAXWELL

Cove Leader-Press

WACO - Elated by a week of faith, fellowship, giving and playing, Cove senior Katy Ranes’ mood quickly turned somber with the realization that her reign of playing volleyball with Cove teammate Jennifer Eubanks is over at the conclusion on the third annual Fellowship of Christian Athletes Victory Bowl Volleyball Game on Saturday.

“That just made me really sad,” said Ranes. “I didn’t realize (this was our last game) but she’s such a great teammate and I’m going to miss her next year. I wish I had another chance to play with her because I just loved playing with her.”

It was a sad ending to stellar week for the senior Eubanks as well.

“(Katy and I) have been through a lot,” she said. “She’s been my setter for school, club and now we got to play together in the FCA. It’s bittersweet because we won’t play with each other again.”

The Cove duo and Red Team came out on the losing side of the contest where the Blue Team edged out the 3-1 win (25-18, 19-25, 25-18, 25-18), but for Ranes and Eubanks it was about way more than the game.

“The main goal of this camp is to come closer with Christ,” said Eubanks. “Yesterday we had a seminar and it was explained to us that we already won walking with Christ and this was just like icing on the cake. This is just a great program to me overall.

“(The service projects) meant so much. I never got the chance to do community service so I went in not knowing really what to do but the kids were great. It felt so good seeing how happy they were. It was an amazing feeling.”

It was a life-changer for Ranes.

“It was a really eye-opening experience for me,” she said. “We did a lot of great things and we learned a lot more about God. We volunteered to play volleyball with these little kids that barely have anything and it opened my eyes to be more thankful for what I have. 

“I was just so thankful to be a part of it because it made the kids so happy. The littlest things made them happy, like us picking them up so they could throw the volleyball over the net. Little stuff like that made them so happy so I was so thankful to go. I was a great opportunity.”

The Blue Team jumped out to an early lead 9-3 and eventually pushed it to 17-8 before the Red Team responded with a 10-6 run to get within five points 23-18. The Blue team finished strong to take set one 25-18.

Ranes had some key digs and assists in the run while Eubanks recorded a couple blocks and kills in the set.

The Red Team got back into the contest with a 25-19 set two win but two straight dominant sets by the Blue Team finished off the contest.

Sharing the court with Belton rivals Brey York and Allison Waits was also an eye-opener for Ranes.

“It was really fun,” she said. “I’ve known them a little bit but I really got to know them this week and I realized that they are such great people. I wish we all went to the same high school so we could’ve played together but it didn’t happen like that.”

Both players were just happy to represent Copperas Cove and the Lady Dawg Volleyball program one last time.

“I’m grateful to represent Cove and coach (Cari) Lowery,” said Ranes. “I’m going to miss all the practices, game days and everything with her and my team. I’m just grateful for it all.”

Ranes finished the contest with 22 assists and 14 digs while Eubanks had 14 kills and six blocks. 

York, who finished with a team-high 25 assists was presented with the Molly “Braveheart” Award for “character, perseverance and enthusiasm for Jesus’ after the contest.

“It was great competition,” said Eubanks. “We went in not knowing who was going to win because we both had great players. I was a really fun learning experience.”