JEFFERSON — The Jefferson volleyball team hosted the Susan G. Komen Volley for the Cure match on Oct. 3 versus the Edgewood Warriors. The game itself was illuminated by the cause in which it benefited. Although Jefferson was not able to pull through a win, their reward was much more valuable.
The Volley for the Cure program was founded in 2006 in an effort to bring awareness to breast cancer. Jefferson has been involved in the program since 2007. Volley for the Cure is rooted in Ohio but the idea of the fund-raiser is being replicated all across the nation. To date 26,800 Ohio volleyball players have participated in the matches raising more than $1 million of proceeds. The main goal in Volley for the Cure is to promote early detection of breast cancer, raise awareness and ultimately to create a breast cancer free world. The Volley for the Cure match took mental, emotional and physical preparation.
Don Palm, the coach for the Falcons, explains his method. He said, “I reviewed how we have previously played against Edgewood and I put my players in drills that would help identify skills we need to improve upon to become successful.”
Coach Don Palm does a good job motivating his girls, said junior setter, Tayler Johnston. It was a tough battle for both teams, which is made evident by the close four match games of 20-25, 26-24, 25-16 and 25-21.
“They’re always a really competitive match, and it being the senior’s last game playing Edgewood it was a tough loss,” Johnston said.
The game itself meant a great deal to Palm, considering Edgewood is his alma mater. “I learned a lot of the game from Edgewood’s coach Dave Fowler,” Palm said.
Having such great meaning to so many people, the Jefferson-Edgewood Volley for the Cure match was a victory on its own.
The match brought out the best in Falcon and Warrior fans as well. The gymnasium was filled with enthusiasm and cheering all decorated in pink. Students from both teams came out to support the event. The fans were sporting Volley for the Cure shirts that were sold by the volleyball teams, in addition to their bandanas, face paint and own personal flair.
Amanda Krause, a senior at Jefferson and a Falcon fan, attended the game and noticed a difference in energy. “The crowd was really into the game and supportive of the fighting Falcons,” she said.
The vibrant energy provided the teams with incentive to put up a good fight. “We had really good support from the student section, and the crowd was energetic which translated to the energy level on both sides of the court,” said Palm.
Baskets containing candy, lotions and baking supplies were assembled by the Jefferson volleyball team and their families, and were raffled off between games. A bake sale headed by some of the JAHS volleyball players and their parents added to the excitement of the event.
Falcons middle hitter, LeeAnn Farr, said, “We raised a lot of money for a good cause and had fun doing it.” The peppy environment, the inspirational cause and the competitive match all brought life and hope to a great cause.
