While the Cleveland varsity girls easily won 3-0 over visiting Mankato Loyola on Tuesday, the match for the Clipper girls was more about the charity that surrounded it.
Dig’N Pink is a fundraiser for the “fight” against breast cancer, and with a silent auction, shirt sales and donations, organizer Missy Clark-Strachan expected that, if it was like typical years, the event would generate about $15,000 for the cause.
The money raised by Dig’N Pink goes to the Mankato Clinic Foundation and it is distributed to patients via gift cards.
“Everyone has been affected by cancer in some way” said head coach Bree Meyer. “Dig’N Pink is a great way to help. The girls both from Loyola and Cleveland enjoy fundraising, and the fans do too.”
Just before the game, the team made a special donation to Bob Petrich, grandfather of player Laci Hollerich. Petrich is being treated for a third onset of cancer.
“You have spent years on the sidelines encouraging us, supporting us, and cheering us on to victory,” Hollerich wrote in a letter to her grandpa, which Strachan read over the loudspeaker before the game. “Now it is our turn to do it for you.”
Strachan has ties to both Cleveland and Loyola, a student and one school and later the other. Volleyball was an apt vehicle for the fundraiser, she said, because it is played during October, breast cancer awareness month. She has arranged Dig’N Pink with Clipper volleyball for several years.
“One of my friends was diagnosed with breast cancer, so we as a team decided to raise money and raise awareness,” she said.
Meanwhile on the court, the Clippers won game one 25-13, game two 25-10, and game three 25-18.
Emily Kern had 14 kills and three blocks. Grayce Kortuem had five kills and two digs. Jordyn Klingel had two kills and five digs. Ava Hahn had three kills, one block and five digs in her one game played. Savannah Meyer and Greta Hahn each had five digs in their one game played. Emma Sweere had 14 digs. Allison Jindra had four digs. Harley Connor had four kills. Taylin Gosch had 31 set assists.
The win sets up a conference showdown against Alden-Conger on Thursday. Last year, the Knights technically won the conference based on point differential, although the Clippers beat them in their second meeting.
Above: The Clipper varsity volleyball team poses next to the Holtmeier breast cancer awareness dump truck before the game. From L-R, front row: Zoe Porter, Jordyn Klingel, Greta Hahn, Emma Sweere, Allison Jindra, Taylin Gosch and Savannah Meyer. Back row: Maddy Steen, Laci Hollerich, Grayce Kortuem, Emily Kern, Sarena Remiger, Harley Connor, Lexi Waldron, Sophie Perkins and Ava Hahn.
Lexi Hollerich presented her grandfather, Bob Petrich, with a check before the game. Petrich is being treated for cancer.
Grayce Kortuem on the slam.
Harley Connor attacks at the net.
Zoe Porter goes low for a dig.
Greta Hahn crouches for a dig. Watching from behind is sister Ava.
Maddy Steen sets near the net.
Brenna McCarthy decorated her cheeks with pink glitter.
The theme for the student section was a given.