As the second set comes to a close after beating Monroe 2-0, the girls volleyball team looks up at the stands to see a sea of pink. Suddenly, they realize that this is more than just another game; it is a message. A message to the many breast cancer survivors who were in attendance at the game on Monday night, who ran through the players’ tunnel in remembrance of their hard-fought journeys.
Every year, the girls volleyball team hosts a Pink Out game to honor those who are breast cancer survivors. Head coach Beverly Torok, who has been a part of the girls volleyball program for 32 years, was the catalyst for this tradition, as she is a breast cancer survivor herself.
In addition to the game, each of the players’ parents put together a basket to help raise money for the program. Baskets containing gift cards, food and spa items were given to supporters who entered the various raffles offered outside the gym.
The team promotes the fundraiser far before gameday, attempting to include the Westfield community in the event. Torok said, “We go out into the town and solicit, and many of the businesses give us gift cards and things to give out. It’s a nice community effort.”
Going into the first set, the team started off strong, pumped with adrenaline. Seniors Ava Gaspard and Vicki Morey led the team with seven kills each. They were able to execute their hits well throughout both sets, making it difficult for Monroe to catch up. The team’s passing and communication on the court allowed the Blue Devils to take the set 25-13.
“We started the game off very strong with a 6-0 run,” said senior co-captain Audrey Stack. “Being able to start a set off with that much momentum helps us to play our best and win the game.”
The team aimed to bring that same dominant energy to the second set; however, they fell behind at the start. Torok said, “We had to focus more on our passing. We were getting a little sluggish, not really tracking the ball as well as we could have.”
After calling a timeout, Torok was able to reinstill the contagious energy throughout the gym. Despite the lack of passing, the team still pulled off a 25-18 win, continuing their streak of successful Pink Out games.
Gaspard, Binghamton women’s volleyball commit, added that the success of the night and the win helped to set the team up for counties.
The girls volleyball team raised about $6,000 in cash last night, and donations will continue through the Student-Teacher volleyball game on Oct. 24.
The Blue Devils’ next game is on Wednesday, Oct. 15 versus Old Bridge in the varsity gym at WHS, where they will look to continue their winning season and play for a purpose.
