October 9th marked more than just another match for the Mountaineers Volleyball team- it was a night defined by purpose, resilience, and community. The game was a close one, and a hard fight by the Mountaineers, but to the team, it was much more than that.
“On the court, we play for points but during Dig Pink, we also play for purpose,” Coach Burton said. “It’s a chance to honor those who fought, are fighting, or who have been lost to breast cancer, and to show support for families whose lives have been touched by it.”
The match itself reflected that determination. From being down 9-2 in the last set, to eventually coming back to win it with a final score of 15-13, the Badlands were as electric as ever. Badlands leader Dexter Woleader comments on his perspective, “Rallying back was extremely hype and energetic for the student section and I, getting louder and louder as we ca
me back to win. Dig Pink was by far the most students we’ve had at a non-football event.”
This year in particular the Badlands did an amazing job in gathering a crowd on a Wednesday night to support the team. “It was super fun to see everyone getting rowdy for our girls volleyball team,” Badlands leader Ali Jones explains.
For the players themselves, it was very important that they secured this win, as this game means so much to the team and the community. Senior captain Ariana Catalfamo shares her experience, “Everyone knows someone who’s been impacted, and this is our way of showing love and support. My nana had breast cancer, so this game is very personal to me.”
Everyone on the team has their own story of impacts from this disease. Junior Leeann Miller explains how dig pink is important to her, “It is a representation of everyone in my family who has suffered through cancer- not just breast cancer, so when I step on that court I think of everyone who is close to me who has struggled with cancer.”
Beyond the game the Wachusett Volleyball team worked hard to raise $8000 for breast cancer research. Working weeks in advance preparing for this event; the team sold tee-shirts, planned the bakesale, and made raffle baskets to sell at the game. All in hopes of raising money for a cure. The game means so much to everyone involved, and is a great way for Wachusett students to support their community. Coach Burton adds, “Dig Pink is a celebration of hope, unity and purpose that makes the Wachusett volleyball family so special.”
