Park Hill, South Dug for the Cure

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and each year around the country individuals, schools, and organizations host events to raise funds to promote awareness and research. Last week the Park Hill and Park Hill South volleyball teams participated in a Dig For The Cure match with both teams sporting pink jerseys along with family and friends in the crowd. Pink overwhelmed the inside of Park Hill’s gym while outside in the hallways a silent auction was held.

“The cause is so important, more important than the game, and we’re bringing awareness to these young athletes,” Park Hill coach Lindsey Hood said. “We had several survivors come in to speak to us because one out of eight girls gets breast cancer, so it really is important to highlight.”

T-shirt sales for the game raised nearly $2,200 with an overall goal of $5,000 being set when combined with the silent auction and donations. This is the third year Park Hill has hosted or participated in a Dig For The Cure event.

“The gym is crowded and it’s a rivalry game, so whatever we can do to bring awareness to the cause,” Hood said.

As for competition on the court, the Panthers defeated the Trojans in two games, 25-21 and 25-9. Park Hill South would go on to win against Lee’s Summit North 25-22, 25-20 to end the week. Park Hill beat Truman in conference play 25-23, 25-15 before going 3-1 in the Grain Valley Spikefest Tournament with wins against Oak Grove, Fatima, and Smithville.

“I’m really proud of our girls this second half of the season, which is the most important part. They’ve really just been coming together and what we’ve been doing on our side,” Hood said. “Servicing seems to be our bread and butter, if we’re not producing there we’re not producing in other places.”

Park Hill is now 15-11 on the year while Park Hill South is 20-2. This week both will wrap up their regular season before looking to the district tournament. Park Hill will take on St. Joe Central in the first round of Class 4, District 16 play 6:30pm on October 22^nd at Liberty. Park Hill South notched a first round bye and will play the winner of Winnetonka/William Chrisman in the semifinals of Class 4, District 15 play on at 5:30pm on October 24^th at William Chrisman.