WATERVILLE — Shockers volleyball coach Melissa Flaget, her coaching staff, and members of the Waterville School District on Oct. 12 put together a "Dig Pink Night" for Waterville/Mansfield's contest against Central Washington 2B League heavyweight Tonasket.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and groups and businesses across the nation promote good will and consciousness of the devastating disease. From businesses that sell feminine products to the National Football League, America comes together in October donning pink attire in support of cancer patients. Apparently, the recognition of this important month extends to high school volleyball teams. Flaget said the team put on "Dig Pink Night," to support those people in need.
The good deeds of the team and the community as a whole didn't transfer over to success on the floor, as the Shockers were swept in straight sets by the visiting Tigers with final set scores of 20-25, 26-28, 16-25. Although Waterville/Mansfield didn't win a set, scoring 62 points against a team who is undefeated in league play can be seen as a net positive for Flaget and her young team.
Sophomore setter Sarah Mullen went down with a leg injury early in the game, forcing senior Alyssa Hansen to the right side of the net. The resulting switch was felt for a while, but the Shockers found their groove and competed with Tonasket in all three sets. Flaget said she was impressed with junior varsity call up Codee Fry.
Ari Salcido led the team with 5 kills and Mullen accumulated 8 assists before she exited the game in the first set.