ROSELLE – In one of the highlights of Roselle Catholic High School’s fall sports schedule, the RC volleyball program will host its Fifth Annual “Spike Breast Cancer” event in The Lions’ Den on Thursday, Oct. 11 against traditional foe Bishop George Ahr High School from Edison.
“This game is so special because of all the students who come out and support RC and a great cause,” said senior co-captain Danielle Franklin. “I love it when all the students wear pink and cheer really together in the RC student section.”
“It’s really exciting how the whole school comes together to support breast cancer,” said RC senior Chrissy Campanelli. “When I look into the stands and see my family and friends wearing pink and cheering us on – and the boys with pink paint all over their faces and bodies – it gets me and the team so excited.”
The Lions and Trojans will play a traditional tripleheader with the freshman teams starting the event at 4 p.m. The junior varsity squads square off following the frosh match. The varsity match caps off the volleyball action at 7 p.m.
“The breast cancer game is definitely a must go to event,” said senior co-captain Melissa Sporer. “The energy level in the gym is so high thanks to so many people being there.” The evening includes the sale of snacks, shirts and raffle tickets, with a significant portion of the proceeds being donated to a breast cancer-related charity. There will also be a DJ and entertainment for the fans.
Last year, Roselle Catholic defeated Bishop Ahr, touted as one of the top parochial squads in the state, 27-25 and 25-15, in front of an enthusiastic crowd in The Lions’ Den. Roselle Catholic’s varsity squad, under the direction of first-year coach Jason Davilla, sports a 9-2 record and is expected to garner one of the top seeds for the upcoming Union County Tournament.
Davilla replaced Don Godfrey, who helped launch the “Spike Breast Cancer” event at RC in 2008.
“The evening was a huge success on and off the court,” Godfrey said after last year’s event. “The RC players, parents and entire Roselle Catholic family all contributed to the evening’s success.”
Despite being sidelined with an injured knee, senior Brianna Fleming is looking forward to Thursday night’s event.
“The pink out is a special game to our team not only for the fun activities, loud music, excited fans and high spirits, but because we see so many supportive families and friends willing to donate to helping find a cure for breast cancer,” Fleming said. “That’s why it’s so special and different from our other games.
“No matter if we win or lose the event and game still has a positive effect on us because it shows that there are many people willing to donate and support finding a cure for breast cancer.”
In addition to Sporer, Franklin and Campanelli, key contributors to this year’s successful squad include: Jessica Ciandella, Calli Scheuermann, Keyarah Newton, Ally Mroczek, Sue Riley and Melissa Sheehan.