Panthers Earn Win, Dig Pink

The girls' varsity volleyball team defeated Mt. Lebanon 3-1 at their third annual Dig Pink game. The Panthers won the match with scores of 20-25, 25-22, 25-20 and 25-15.

It was an emotional win for the team; It was a big win against their non-section rival and it was their third match of the week.

"We had three matches this week and that wore them down," head coach Yoko Nagao said. "But we're getting back to the way we were playing in the beginning of the year...we want to make sure we peak at playoffs."

Thursday night's win was especially emotional for junior Kelly Reynolds, who led the team in organizing the Dig Pink game. Earlier this week, Reynolds' aunt died from the disease Reynolds has been fighting to find a cure for—breast cancer.

"It's bittersweet," Reynolds said. "I know that we're doing something that will help others."

When Reynolds first discovered how other volleyball players were using their sport to raise money for breast cancer research three years ago, she knew it was something she wanted to take part in.

"It's a meaningful cause, it's close to my heart," she said. "And I love volleyball."

Reynold started raising funds her freshman year with "Volley for the Cure." She donated the proceeds to the Susan. G. Komen Foundation in Pittsburgh.

The inaugural year was such a success, Reynolds worked even harder the next to raise more funds. She partnered with SideOut Foundation, which supports breast cancer research and funding through Dig Pink events held all over the country, and raised $1,700.

This year, the entire team—including the coach—helped solicit donations and sold Dig Pink t-shirts. Other mothers helped Reynold's mom assemble the raffle baskets and support the fundraiser.

"I think it's awesome," said Susan Casson, mother of JV team member Emily Casson. "It helps such a great cause."

Instead of black and red, USC wore black and pink for the Dig Pink game. Mt. Lebanon also took part in raising awareness Thursday by trading in their royal blue and gold for pink. A Mt. Lebanon player's grandmother, who is a breast cancer survivor, commended the girls' efforts.

"It means a whole lot to me," Sandy Dunlop said. "Breast cancer is still a major problem."

According to the American Cancer Society, the chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer some time during her life is a little less 1 in 8.

Reynolds' mother, Debbie Reynolds, said she hopes her daughter's work to raise awareness of the disease that has affected their family inspires others.

"I'm just really proud of her. She's really kindhearted," she said.