Echo Staff

Varsity volleyball poses with the "Dig Pink" banner

Every year during breast cancer awareness month the Nacogdoches High School Volleyball teams play for something more significant than a victory. The annual “Dig Pink” volleyball game is held in honor of breast cancer victims and survivors. The purpose of the “Dig Pink” volleyball game is to provide hope for those who are suffering from breast cancer and to remember those who have lost their lives to the disease. Donations and proceeds from the game are given to cancer charities.

Coach Allen, assistant varsity volleyball coach, was hopeful that her girls would be able to pull together and beat John Tyler. “It’s a big game for us,” she said. “If we win, J.V. can finish third in district.”

But the game also had a personal meaning for Coach Allen. “I have lost several family members to cancer, so the game means a lot,” she said.

The Dig Pink game gave the volleyball team an opportunity to understand the significance of the game. “The girls get to play and realize that they are playing for more than just the game,” Allen said.

The game also had a special meaning to junior and varsity player Charity Page who lost a family member to breast cancer. “About four years ago, I had an aunt die of cancer,” she said. “[The game] means a lot to me.  Pink isn’t just a color; it has a wonderful meaning.”

The Dig Pink game was one of mixed victories and losses for the Nacogdoches Lady Dragons. The freshman team won a series of three games. The JV team won their first game but lost the series in the second and third games.

Before the final game, breast cancer victims and survivors attending the game were honored.

Although both the varsity and JV teams lost their games to John Tyler, the purpose of the Dig Pink games was not forgotten by the teams.