HOLDEN — The gymnasium at Wachusett Regional High was awash in pink Oct. 6 in support of the volleyball program’s annual Dig Pink night. Freshmen, junior varsity and varsity teams hosted the event, with matches against Shrewsbury High, before a packed and vocal crowd cheering for both teams.
For the 12th year, the Mountaineer girls sponsored the event, with all proceeds going to the Side-Out Foundation for breast cancer awareness. The foundation was established in 2004 to unite volleyball players and coaches and have them work toward the common goal of furthering breast cancer awareness, education and patient services. The event has generated more than $28,000 through admissions, T-shirt sales, bake sales, gift baskets and 50-50 raffles.
This year’s efforts raised more than $3,400, according to WRHS volleyball head coach Jennifer Burton.
In volleyball lingo, the term “side out” refers to a situation where one team wins a point while its opponent is serving, thereby regaining serve or control of play. In the more complex and often convoluted game of life, the term takes on a much broader and significant meaning.
“This team was picked in August, and the first thing they wanted to know is when Dig Pink is going to be,” said Burton postgame. “It’s one of the highlights that they look forward to. They put a lot into this night, and they know that the big crowd will be here for support. There are so many people who know how important this is, and that makes a difference.”
Mountaineer captains Ella Laramee, Claire Michalowski and Chase Garabedian each discussed the merits of the fan support and closeness of team members who are putting together a solid run at a playoff spot. The team record stood at 8-8 as of this writing, with a handful of games remaining in the regular season.
“We had a lot of support tonight,” said Laramee. “Everyone from Wachusett supports one another and have formed bonds that allow us to come together as a team.”
“This night is for an amazing cause: breast cancer awareness,” echoed Michalowski. “We raised so much for the Side-Out foundation. We have such a gifted team this year, and it was tough losing to Shrewsbury (3-0), but we’ll learn from this and come together as a team. When we have games like this, we’ll be able to pull out a win.”
“Playing for the Side-Out foundation is for a special cause,” explained Garabedian. “It’s also a bonding moment. We’ll look back and remember the good times we’ve had on the court and how special this night was.”
Another highlight of the annual Dig Pink event is the impassioned presence of the WRHS student cheering section, known as the Badlands, who bring a fervent excitement to the game with intense fan support. Look for them at most Wachusett sporting events and enjoy their heightened school spirit. Two of the Badland leaders spoke to The Landmark postgame.
“This is absolutely a special night. We’re helping raise money for a really good cause,” said senior RJ Dickson. “It’s a great charity, and we love supporting it. It’s also really great to support women’s sports and help cheer Wachusett on.”
In agreement with Dickson is fellow senior and school supporter Tommy Rovezzi.
“This is a special night because it’s the biggest turnout for a volleyball game. Everyone’s here having a good time, and the girls don’t usually get this big a crowd, but we’re here to support them and hopefully make a difference.”
Members of the 2023 Wachusett Regional High girls varsity volleyball team are Sapphira Jahner, Riley Bisnette, Ella Laramee, Lily Davidson, Brooke Laidlaw, Delaney McGee, Rebecca Wright, Emily Rakic, Chase Garabedian, Hannah Best, Alise Galena and Claire Michalowski. Team captains are Ella Laramee, Chase Garabedian and Claire Michalowski. Head coach is Jennifer Burton, assisted by Mike Taylor, Lindsey Thunberg, Olivia Smith and Julie Graham. Team manager is Jack Greene.
