Baldwin girls volleyball’s Dig Pink fundraiser deemed a success

By: HSSN Staff
Monday, October 8, 2018 | 8:54 PM

Volleyball took a back seat to the Oct. 4 fundraiser at Baldwin.

The Baldwin netters held their annual Dig Pink fundraiser that night when they played Upper St. Clair at home in a section match.

The Dig Pink event is planned and organized each season by the Baldwin seniors and their parents.

Kerri Herron, a 5-foot-3 defensive specialist, Mackenzie Meis, a 5-1 senior libero, and Flannery Larson, a 5-8 right-side hitter, represent the senior class on this year’s Baldwin squad.

“It is a volleyball tradition for the seniors to plan the Dig Pink fundraiser,” Herron said. “We took letters around the area for donations for our Chinese auction baskets. We also sold Dig Pink T-shirts at school and on the night of the event.”

Herron, Meis and Flannery spoke about breast cancer awareness prior to the Highlanders’ match against USC. There also was a serving contest between the junior varsity and varsity matches.

“We invite the youth teams to join in and show their support by wearing the T-shirts and participating in the serving contest,” Herron said. “All of the money raised will be going to Camp Raising Spirits, a camp in Mt. Pleasant where cancer patients go for a weekend retreat at no cost.

“It was a successful night and I am so happy to donate the money to such a special place.”

Meis said it was a fun night for all involved.

“Our Dig Pink fundraiser is one of the best matches all year,” Meis said. “We have many raffle baskets, and the seniors go around and collect donations from different places to put into the basket.

“If you wear a Dig Pink shirt, you get in (the gym) free. It’s always a fun night for the youth and our team, and we love doing it. It was a great event and a great turnout.”

Larson was grateful for all the support provided by Baldwin-Whitehall fans and youngsters at the match.

“The seniors plan and coordinate this charitable fundraiser with the help of our parents. We hope to spread awareness and aid patients with breast cancer,” Larson said. “Camp Raising Spirits is a weekend getaway for patients where they can participate in recreational events and temporarily forget about their illness.

“We combine our youth night with the Dig Pink game to enable our younger players to be active participants in the community and to make a positive difference. The event was a success. Lots of youth players from St. Elizabeth, St. Gabe’s and Harrison came out to help support our cause and to enjoy a fun-filled night. Our match also was a success.”

Baldwin, ranked No. 2 in Class 4A, rolled past the Panthers, 25-19, 26-24, 25-21, to remain undefeated at 10-0 in Section 2.

“The team played well. Every match is tough,” coach Chris Kelly said. “Upper St. Clair really worked hard. They were playing to win. We see that every night in our section.

“It takes a great deal of effort and focus to perform at a high level every match, regardless of the opponent, and (USC) was no different. I’m proud of my team for the way they prepare and the way they play.”

The Dig Pink event drew the largest home crowd of the season for the Highlanders.

“Dig Pink night is always a nice event,” Kelly said. “We raise money for breast cancer awareness, and the seniors plan it all as part of their senior project.

“We also use it as an outreach for our youth volleyball players. Some of those girls serving at those targets may play for me some day.”

Baldwin’s starting rotation against the Panthers consisted of the three seniors; five juniors in setter Mia Hampsay, middle blockers Allison Murray and Ally Schenk, outside hitter Anna Baloh and defensive specialist Maggie Zandier; plus sophomore Bethany Voelker, an outside hitter.

Baldwin’s Riley Leonard, a 5-8 junior outside hitter, sat out the match in concussion protocol.

The team’s top reserves against USC were Jessica Noss, a sophomore setter, and Marlo Mendez, a junior defensive specialist.

Ray Fisher is a freelance writer.

Tags: Baldwin