Girls Volleyball: Loudoun County Raises $7.5K with Dig Pink Fundraiser Effort

Leesburg (Nov. 6, 2012) - The Loudoun County High School girls volleyball program raised $7,555.49 for the Side-Out Foundation with their Dig Pink match in Oct. with Tuscarora.

Girls Volleyball: Freedom and Broad Run Partner for Dig Pink Match Tonight

(Oct. 11, 2012) - First place may be on the line in the Cedar Run District girls volleyball race tonight but the Eagles and Spartans have partnered for a more important cause as they will meet in a Dig Pink match in Ashburn.

The friendly rivals have agreed to make this a Dig Pink match helping to raise funds for the Side-Out foundation in their fight against Breast Cancer. Both Teams are raising money to help support this cause. Anyone wishing to support can donate online at http://www..side-out.org/application/ous/fundraising_page/9178 or come out to the match to support this cause and the teams. Freshman and JV matches will be at 5:30 p.m., the varsity match will start about 6:45 p.m.

Girls Volleyball: Dominion Hosts Third Annual Dig Pink Match Oct. 18

(Oct. 11, 2012) - Dominion High School Volleyball will be hosting its third annual Dig Pink match on tonight, October 18th with the freshman and JV matches beginning at 6 p.m. followed by varsity at 7:15 p.m. The Titans will be hosting Park View who will also be participating in the Dig Pink evening.

Girls Volleyball: Woodgrove Program Turns 1,648 Miles Ran into $1,648 for Breast Cancer Research

(Aug. 2, 2012) - Woodgrove High School volleyball program players and families logged 1,648 miles of running to raise money for breast cancer awareness and research. To conclude the 30-day challenge, over 75 athelets, families, coaches, and administrators came together on July 31 to run a final mile at the Woodgrove stadium.

Girls Volleyball: Woodgrove Finishes Dig Pink 1,000 Mile Challenge Tuesday

Purcellville (July 30, 2012) - The Woodgrove High School girls volleyball team finishes up their Dig Pink 1,000 mile challenge for breast cancer awareness on Tuesday with Wolverine players and family members logging their final mile at the school's stadium.

During the month of July Woodgrove volleyball families have been running and logging miles. The public is invited to run with the participants Tuesday July 31 starting at 5:15 p.m. The school's new principal William S. Shipp will be on hand for the event that culminates with the volleyball program presenting a check to the WHS Dig Pink Side Out Foundation.

News: Tuscarora Fall Athletic Releases

(Nov. 23, 2011) - These are the fall athletic releases from Tuscarora High School in Leesburg:
Dig Pink Digs Deep
Supporters of the “2nd Annual Dig Pink Volleyball game between Tuscarora and Woodgrove High Schools showed tremendous support through their donations to the cause. The event held this year at Tuscarora High School was a huge success, contributing $4,623 to the cause. $1,069 was raised at the gate. The remainder of the funds were raised as donations in cash, raffles, flower and T-shirt purchases. All proceeds were donated. The Huskies won the match in a 5 game barn burner, but the true winner of the evening was cancer research. Thank you to all who came out to support the cause!

Volleyball: Dominion Dig Pink Event Raises Funds for Breast Cancer Awareness

Dominion Varsity All in Pink!

Dominion JV All in Pink!

Dominion Freshman All in Pink!

(Oct. 28, 2010) - The Dominion High School volleyball team raised close to $400 for its Dig Pink event for breast cancer awareness, by accepting donations at the door, online and through t-shirt purchases, as well as family/friend donations.

The Titans would like to thank the Loudoun County players, coaches and fans for wearing their pink to show their support of the event which was held Oct. 26.

Volleyball: Woodgrove Dig Pink Event Scores Big for Fight Against Breast Cancer

(Oct. 28, 2010) - The first inaugural Dig Pink event for Woodgrove High School was held last Thursday as the Wolverines hosted fellow first-year school Tuscarora. Although the Dulles District match went to Tuscarora, the big winners were the Side-Out Foundation and the fight against breast cancer as Woodgrove is estimating that it will double its $1,500 fundraising goal.

"Many sincere thanks to the multitudes involved in making this event a tremendous success," reported Woodgrove volleyball coach Faisal Hallaj.

Woodgrove volleyball parents donated their time, talents and tons of decorations and supplies to dress out the gymnasiums for the evening, set up for the bake sale, gift baskets, 50/50, flower sales, t-shirt sales and more.

"Special thanks to Mrs. Julie Wernle for all her time and effort as the event coordinator. Her vision, passion, and ability to pull an amazing workforce together, made this event one to remember," wrote Hallaj. "The success of the fundraising efforts would not have been possible without donations from Sugardust Cookies and Cake, Sky High Designs, Belt-It, Bloom, Ben Franklin, Party City, Giant Foods, Play-It Again Sports, McDonald’s and Michael's."

Special guest announcers Janet Emma Garbe and Woodgrove High School's own Sarah Ellis emceed the program's events, and Hallaj gave a very moving presentation before the varsity match.

"Thank you to the many, many Dig Pink attendees from our student body and community, a very heartfelt thank you for spending the evening with us and opening your hearts and wallets for the Side-Out Foundation," said Hallaj. "Again, thank you from the Woodgrove High School volleyball program for supporting breast cancer awareness, compassion care, patient services and research by "Digging Pink"."

Volleyball: Heritage Sweeps Valley on Dig Pink Night, Secures Cedar Run Regular-Season District Title

By Dan Sousa
VivaLoudoun Editor

Leesburg (Oct. 20, 2010) - For the second straight Dig Pink volleyball fundraiser this season it was Heritage High School sweeping past AAA Cedar Run District rival Loudoun Valley. Tuesday's 25-15, 25-23, 25-15 win for the Pride secured a least a tie for the district regular-season title.

Heritage (6-0 in district, 15-2 overall) now has a two-game lead over Valley (4-2, 11-6) and Stonewall Jackson (3-2, 12-7) with just two district matches left for the Pride. Heritage is looking for a deep playoff run similar to what took Valley all the way to the AAA state title in 2009.

"I think we can go really far. We have the potential," said Heritage's junior setter Stephanie Yokoyama.

The Pride, on a festive Dig Pink night that raised awareness and funds to fight breast cancer, rattled off six straight points to start the match and never really trailed on the evening.

"We get really excited for these big games," said Pride senior Lian Bernett.

Even in the second game, which wound up a two-point affair, the Vikes had to mount a comeback down 24-19 to make it close at the end.

"We need to focus on what is ahead of us and go in Districts with a positive attitude," said Loudoun Valley coach Laird Johnson.

Valley at times was able to run a potent attack but the Vikes lacked consistency.

"We are a young team and we need to be better mentally prepared for this type of game," said Johnson.

Heritage was in a defensive frame of mind most of the evening and had the home fans on their feet and cheering with several great diving saves or "ups" as the girls call them to keep rally alive.

"Everybody gets really pumped up and we have the attitude that no ball is going to hit the ground," said Bernett.

Statistics for Heritage:
Bernett- 7 kills, 1 block, 8 points, 9 digs
Sydney Busa- 4 kills, 2 blocks, 2 points, 3 digs
Madeline Fowler- 6 kills, 8 points, 1 ace, 4 digs
Kesley Hrebenach- 4 kills, 1 block, 5 points, 1 ace,5 digs
Christina Kamis- 8 kills, 7 points, 2 aces, 8 digs
Emma Le maitre- 14 digs
Dariel Montanez- 4 digs
Rachel Runyan-9 digs
Yokoyama- 9 points, 1 ace, 28 assists, 11 digs

Volleyball: Different Jersey, Same Result for Stone Bridge

Photos courtesy of Carl Lukat/Loudoun Times-Mirror

By Carl Lukat
Loudoun Times-Mirror Sports Editor
Ashburn (Oct. 20, 2010) - The Stone Bridge High School volleyball team donned pink jerseys for their home match against Chantilly Tuesday as part of a Dig Pink event that raised awareness and funds for the fight against breast cancer.

Though the jerseys were different than their normal blue color scheme, the Bulldogs delivered a performance on the court that has become standard this season.

Stone Bridge overcame a strong challenge from Chantilly in each set to sweep the visiting Chargers 25-19, 25-18 and 25-23. The Bulldogs (16-1) closed the third set on a 10-5 run to erase an 18-15 deficit and complete their 13th sweep of the season.

"I was happy to walk away with a win," Stone Bridge coach Jill Raschiatore said. "It's always kind of crazy when it's Dig Pink day. It's very important that we recognize something bigger than ourselves and it's a great cause. But I worry sometimes that we lose focus. The girls didn't lose focus tonight, Chantilly just did a great job of mixing things up."

Sophomore outside hitter Ryan Ackermann led the Bulldogs' attack with 18 kills. Ackermann added eight digs and six service points. Senior outside hitter Christine Beckham slammed seven kills, served up four aces and made two blocks. Raschiatore credited the 6-foot, 2-inch Beckham for doing a "great job" defensively.

Senior libero Amy Christensen scooped up 14 digs, while senior setter Amanda Miller dished out 27 assists and added 10 digs. Miller, along with senior Vanessa Paige and sophomore Mariah Brantley each recorded eight service points. Paige also produced five kills and two blocks at the net. Sophomore Haley McClure slammed three kills and junior Chandi Chudasama had two kills.

Stone Bridge hosts an upstart Freedom squad on Oct. 20 before concluding its regular season with a pair of AAA Liberty District matches next week -- home against Madison on Oct. 26 and at Langley on Oct. 28. The Bulldogs, currently 5-0 in district play, can wrap up the Liberty's regular-season championship by winning both district matches.

"I'm worried about turning around and having to play Freedom tomorrow night. That is always scary coming off of a big match," Raschiatore said.

"Then, we have two district matches that are always tough. I know it is going to be Langley's senior night and they are going to be excited to play us. They are usually one of our better competitors. The season is going well but we do need to continue to improve and make sure we are peaking at the end."

Read more of Carl's great local sports coverage online at the Loudoun Times-Mirror.

Volleyball: Dig Pink Fundraiser Tonight at Stone Bridge as Bulldogs Host Chantilly

(Oct. 19, 2010) - Help the Stone Bridge High School volleyball team in the fight against breast cancer by attending their home match against Chantilly tonight at 7:15 p.m.. This Dig Pink match is being used to help spread awareness and raise money for the fight against breast cancer. Visit the team's Dig Pink webpage to make a donation and help in the fight.

Volleyball: Dig Pink Fundraiser Tonight as Heritage Hosts Loudoun Valley in Rivalry Match

Leesburg (Oct. 19, 2010) - Heritage High School hosts AAA Cedar Run District volleyball rival Loudoun Valley tonight in a Dig Pink breast cancer awareness fundraiser night.

A percentage of the ticket gate will be donated to cancer awareness for tonight's match which is schedule to start about 7:15 p.m. (varsity matches start 20 minutes after JV matches end). There are a lot of special activities on the slate tonight:

*Pink bandana's, free to Varsity Club members, will be on sale for $1.
*Aaron’s Electronics has donated a movie camera for a raffle with tickets at $1.
*Nila Straka (Dig Pink representative and breast cancer survivor) will be on hand and the Heritage volleyball team will present flowers to cancer survivors.
*After game 1 there will be a serve contest - $1 to serve into hula hoops. Winners get Tenderjacks’ gift coupons.
*After game 2: Raffle Movie Camera.
*After completion of match: Remain in stands for Dig Pink “Thank You” Gift mini volleyballs, ACS cups, and ACS T-shirts thrown into crowd by both teams. Group picture of all teams will be taken as well

VivaLoudoun editor Dan Sousa will be on hand to cover this game ... give him a shout out!

Photo Gallery: Dig Pink Volleyball - Heritage vs. Loudoun Valley

(Oct. 7, 2010) - Click on any of the photos below to see a gallery with 200+ shots from last week's Dig Pink volleyball match between Heritage and Loudoun Valley high schools.

Volleyball: Key Heritage vs. Loudoun Valley Match Thursday is Also a "Dig Pink" Fundraiser

Purcellville (Sept. 29, 2010) - Loudoun Valley High School’s volleyball team will play its “Dig Pink” benefit games, supporting the Side-Out Foundation, on Thursday, September 30th, at Loudoun Valley against AAA Cedar Run District rival Heritage.

All funds donated will support breast cancer education and research. The freshmen and junior varsity games will begin at 6 p.m. and varsity follows at 7:15 p.m. Returning players from the Vikings 2009 AAA State Championship volleyball team will join in the effort.

Contributions will assist the Side-Out Foundation in its mission to raise money and awareness about breast cancer through volleyball. The foundation contributes donated funds to organizations that serve breast cancer patients through research, medical services and compassionate support.

Side-Out was established in 2004 to unite volleyball players and coaches in working toward the common goal of furthering breast cancer awareness, education and patient services. It supports teams nationwide in their volleyball tournaments, clinics and other fundraising efforts. Spectators are encouraged to wear pink and purchase donated baked goods at the games.

For more information on the Side-Out Foundation, visit its website at www.side-out.org or www.digpink.org or telephone 877-344-7465.

Volleyball: Leesburg Christian Alumni as Well as Lions Soccer Teams Help Raise "Dig Pink" Funds

Leesburg (Nov. 23, 2009) Earlier this month more than 100 people showed up to Leesburg Christian School to watch the Lions volleyball team play along side their alumni and the school's soccer team in a Dig Pink National Breast Cancer Awareness fundraising event.

The stands were loaded with people wearing pink clothing from bows to t-shirts. The event raised over $2,000 for the cause.

Photo Gallery: Heritage at Loudoun Valley Dig Pink Volleyball

Click for a gallery with more than 200 photos from last week's thrilling match between Heritage and Loudoun Valley on Dig Pink night.

Volleyball: Valley Wins Thriller Over Heritage to Clinch Tie for Cedar Run District Regular Season Title

The final points of game five: Loudoun Valley scores three points to go up 12-10 but Heritge counters with three straight points to lead, 13-12. Valley then scores the final three points to win the match, 15-13.


Loudoun Valley captains Morgan Clark and Nicole Bennett after the Vikings wrapped up a share of the AAA Cedar Run District regular season title Tuesday night with a five-game win over Heritage.

By Dan Sousa
VivaLoudoun.com Editor

Purcellville (Oct. 21, 2009) - High school volleyball doesn't get any better than the thrilling match between AAA rivals Heritage and Loudoun Valley Tuesday night. Hey, don't take our word for it ... how about Heritage coach Carmel Keilty who called it an "awesome match" and her team lost!

All the elements of great theater were present with Keilty visiting her old school, Loudoun Valley, where she had led the Vikes to state titles and it was the second "Dig Pink" breast cancer awareness fundraiser between the two schools and the host Vikings had a chance to wrap up a share of the Cedar Run District regular season title.

Add it some fantastic individual and team athletic moments and you had two-plus hours of excitement with Loudoun Valley emerging with a 25-23, 22-25, 28-26, 22-25, 15-13 win but only after winning the final three points of the evening.

Volleyball: Cedar Run District Lead on the Line Tuesday as Loudoun Valley Hosts Heritage

The Loudoun Valley High School volleyball team swept a pair of AAA Cedar Run District matches last week, over Stonewall Jackson and Battlefield, setting up a key showdown Tuesday with district rival Heritage in Purcellville.

Loudoun Valley is 5-0 in district and a win would clinch at least a tie for the regular-season title for the Vikes, who knocked off Heritage, earlier in the year. A win by the Pride would likely throw the regular-season title into a postseason special playoff.

Tuesday's match is also the secind "Dig Pink" event for the two teams, with proceeds from the fundraiser going to Breast Cancer Awareness.

The Vikes beat SJ on Oct. 13, 25-8, 25-9 and 25-13, and then swept Battlefield on Oct, 15, 25-18, 25-19 and 25-21. The two wins improves the vikings overall record to 13-4.