St. John Arena saw its last spike of the season Friday as the Ohio State women’s volleyball team took a loss to Wisconsin.

“I thought Wisconsin played very well, and I thought we played OK,” OSU coach Jim Stone said. “We played hard.”

The game also marked the final time two seniors would step foot onto the scarlet and gray court.

Seniors Heather Whalen and D’wan Shackleford were recognized with their families in a special ceremony after the match. Each player received a framed jersey, as well as words of admiration from junior captain Stacey Gordon.

For Shackleford, this was the second time she said good-bye to the OSU faithful. Shackleford spent the previous four years as part of the OSU women’s basketball team and retired her rebounding skills last season.

“D’wan is just a remarkable person and good team person. She always tried hard,” Stone said.

Shackleford left the court Saturday with a team-high four blocks and added a service ace to the score. She said she tried to leave a legacy of determination and commitment.

“I just want people to look at me and realize I dedicated myself to two sports (in college),” she said. 

Stone said Whalen was one of the most versatile players in Buckeye history. She competed as a setter, outside hitter and defensive specialist, depending on OSU’s needs.

Whalen recorded a team-high 13 kills Saturday, as well as a service ace.

Beginning on the bench and working hard for four years to earn her starting position, Whalen said she hopes her story will help other players to work hard everyday because it has many benefits.

“You can be the last person on the bench your freshman year and make it out your senior year,” Whalen said.

A legion of young fans immediately swarmed Shackleford and Whalen following their ceremony anxious to get a final autograph from the players.

“It feels wonderful,” Whalen said about the additional attention. “It’s important for boys and girls to have some kind of role model.”

As the Buckeyes approach their last two games of the season, Stone said they are trying to come away with a victory.

OSU stands 10-15 overall and 4-14 in the Big Ten. The Buckeyes face off against Iowa Friday, who rounds out the bottom of the Big Ten at 1-17 in the conference.

“We want to beat Iowa for sure,” Stone said. “We should win.”

The Buckeyes have a much more difficult task Saturday. They play No. 22 Minnesota, which is in the hunt for the Big Ten title.