By JIM LUTGENS
Editor/Publisher
Yes, the NRHEG Panthers and Bethlehem Academy Cardinals played some volleyball and the team that was supposed to win did win, but that wasn’t what it was all about in New Richland Friday, Oct. 9.
It was Dig Pink Night, in honor of those affected by breast cancer, and a fund-raising event to help battle cancer. A total of $700 was raised. The Panthers honored members of the community who have been battling breast cancer, with each team member playing in honor of them.
“It was a great night,” said Panthers coach Onika Peterson. “I am very proud of all their hard work.”
On the court, the Panthers gave it their best shot against the perenially powerful Cardinals but lost 3-0, with game scores of 25-21, 25-14, 25-16.“The girls played with a ton of heart, hustle, and determination,” said Peterson. “They never gave up and they came into tonight ready to battle. In game one, only losing by four was huge for us.”
In game two, the Cardinals’ Payton Nutter went on a run serving and the Panthers struggled to get out of the rotation.
“BA went on a nine-point run, which was difficult for us to climb out of,” said Peterson. “If we can continue to build off of tonight’s efforts, I'm excited to see what we can accomplish the rest of the season going into playoffs.” Individual statitistics were not available.
The Panthers’ junior varsity lost 25-17, 17-25, 16-14.