Two Schools, One Cause

Both the Tuscarora and Loudoun County High School volley ball teams played in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month on Thursday. Although not everyone was personally affected by the disease it was important to show their support.

Tuscarora Varsity Coach Marsha Hermes said this was the first year that the high school has hosted the event.

“As a female sport, it is important our players know the risks of breast cancer. Many of our players' lives have been touched as well as our community. This is our way of raising money to fight back against breast cancer,” Hermes said, adding that she knows a few people who have lost their lives to cancer. “As a coach, I hope by the time my players grow up we helped raise the money that found a cure.”

Varsity player Becca Giles said she was really excited for Thursday’s game. Although she isn’t affected by breast cancer personally, Giles said she was playing in honor of her friend Amy Driessen, who has Leukemia.  

“We’re all just pumped up to play and we’re honoring people we know in our lives,” Giles said. “It’s just really special to everybody.”

Team member Jamie Adler agreed. She said one of her mom’s good friends has breast cancer so it’s a really big deal to her family.

A few miles down the road, players at Loudoun County High School were supporting the same cause. Pink and white balloons filled the hallway including hundreds of fans who came out to show their support.

“Nowadays, almost everyone knows a woman in their life who's been affected by breast cancer,” said Dig Pink Committee Member Kelli Williams. “We all need to band together in support. Those of us who organized the event did it for just that.”

Similar to Tuscarora, proceeds raised during the game will benefit the "Dig Pink" program, in conjunction with the Side Out Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to compassionate care, education, awareness and research for the eradication of breast cancer.

“I think it’s nice that we’re doing it for the cause,” said varsity player Quinn O’ Connell. “It’s a good turnout with a lot of people.”

All three LCHS Raider teams, freshman, JV and varsity, defeated the Briar Woods High School Falcons. The freshman team won 2-0, JV won 2-0, and varsity won 3-1.  

The JV and freshman teams finish up their season next Thursday and look to have great records. The Varsity Raiders, defending AA State Champs four years running, will begin their State Tournament play at the District Tournament on October 31.

The Tuscarora High School varsity team beat Woodgrove 3-2. The JV team won 2-1 while the freshman team lost 1-2. Each team will play against Potomac Falls next Tuesday, Oct. 25.