Rivalry match supports breast cancer research
MORGAN HILL — In her two-year effort to hold a “Dig Pink” event at Live Oak High School, Laura Coleman has learned the best ideas only get better with time.
The Acorns’ volleyball coach first thought of organizing one of the popular October matches, which support breast cancer research (hence the color), in 2008 but could not do so until this fall because of schedule conflicts.
During that time, she gained even more appreciation for the cause.
“The older I get, the more people I know who have been affected by this and not just breast cancer,” Coleman said. “My sister-in-law, one of my best friends, my best friend’s sister, my husband, my father; practically my whole family has been affected by cancer in some way.
“This is a fun way to raise awareness.”
The nonprofit “Dig Pink” rallies are catching on nationwide at the prep and collegiate levels — so much that “Dig Pink” is becoming a year-round movement.
Live Oak and Sobrato will join it at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, when the Acorns host the Bulldogs in regular-season nonleague play. All proceeds from the match will go toward breast cancer research through the Side-Out Foundation. Donations can also be made at either team’s websites listed at side-out.org.
Coleman is receiving plenty of support. Live Oak boosters and players’ parents have been eager to help spread the word; some have even made T-shirts that will be sold at the match. The referees are donating their time, Coleman said.
Both teams will don pink shirts for warm-ups, and the liberos can wear pink jerseys during the match.
“It should look pretty cool,” Coleman said. “We’re hoping everyone in the gym gets into it.”
A large crowd is expected anytime the Morgan Hill rivals square off. They split their only four meetings from 2008-09 when both played in the Mount Hamilton Division. Most of the matches went at least four games. The home team has not lost.
The Bulldogs dropped to the Santa Teresa Division after totaling four victories in the Mount Hamilton a year ago — one was a five-set thriller against the Acorns.
“It’s always exciting when we play each other,” Coleman said. “Our girls definitely want to win this one. It’s the only time we’ll play each other this year.”
Experience-wise, Live Oak holds the edge. The Acorns return the bulk of last year’s playoff team, including Mount Hamilton MVP candidate Gabi Cinkova at opposite hitter, second-year starter Alyssa Brusaschetti at setter and third-year starter Alli Unger at libero. Outside hitter Fa Saulala looks even better after a break-out freshman year.
The Bulldogs counter with one of the Santa Teresa’s best setter-libero tandems in seniors Kayla McElvy and Jennifer Hinman, plus 5-foot-10 middle blocker Jessica Westall and outside hitter Andreya Simoneau, who contributes everywhere on the floor. Sobrato is loaded with young talent.
Live Oak will miss the 5-foot-9 Obbema twins, Katie and Jenny, at middle blocker and opposite hitter, respectively.
“They had to go to a wedding. I don’t know what I was thinking letting them go,” Coleman said with a laugh. “It’ll be a very good match.”
