The Sharon Eagles Volleyball team filled the gym with spirit and compassion on October 20th as they hosted Attleboro in their annual Dig Pink game.
October has long been known as “Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” an annual campaign aiming to increase understanding of the disease, encourage detection through screenings, and help support ongoing research. Many sports teams across Sharon High School have spent this month honoring survivors, commemorating those who have passed, and standing with those still fighting. The Eagle’s Dig Pink game was one of many events nationwide dedicated to raising awareness and support for the cause. The “Dig Pink” movement, started by the Side-Out Foundation in 2008, began as a method of outreach for volleyball teams across the country to utilize their platforms to make an impact. Every October, millions of athletes from high school and college host their very own Dig Pink matches, transforming a simple competition into a powerful force of awareness.
Sharon players traded in their usual maroon jerseys for pink “Dig Pink” shirts, while volunteers sold snacks and treats at the front of the gym, raising $106 for breast cancer awareness. The cause was significant this year, as Ex. Head Coach Andrea Lovette continued her own battle with breast cancer, a journey that has inspired the program. “This game means we are coming together to fight for a cause and promote awareness of an issue that is going on in all women all around the world right now,” said current Head Coach Emily Crosby.
On the court, the Eagles showcased incredible persistence despite falling in three straight sets to a strong Attleboro team. Sharon kept many rallies alive with strong defense and communication thanks to the crowd’s strong support.
In the opening set, Sophomore Lucy Leonardi led the offense with six attack attempts and two powerful kills, while Junior Taylor Shen added on a kill of her own on three attempts. Sophomore Lia Zephrani had her own share of four attack attempts alongside two kills and a solo block. Junior Eva Lobo Delaney made an impact on both sides of the court, scoring two points off serves and assisting on three set attempts, all while collecting six digs. Senior Captain Sophia Sun and Sophomore Wynne Liu each chipped in three digs, with Liu also receiving four serves perfectly to target.
Upon the second set, Sophomore Katarina Budavalcev recorded an ace and two additional points off serves, while Lia Zephrani and Junior Grace Neault each tallied five attack attempts. Budavalcev totaled sixteen set attempts and an assist, and Lobo Delaney continued her steady defense, adding five more digs. The final set saw Budavalcev dish out eleven set attempts while Zephrani and Junior Lilia Pandey combined for nine total attack attempts. Lobo Delaney rounded out the match with three more digs, helping keep rallies alive.
The event, dedicated to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research, turned the Sharon High gym into a sea of pink. “It’s our opportunity to represent the people who are fighting breast cancer, have loved ones who are fighting it, and those who have lost to it,” Lobo Delaney said. “It’s an opportunity to bring awareness to something that affects so many.”
