Southwick’s Bre Bourassa opens last night’s volleyball game between Southwick and Westfield with the National Anthem as teams dressed in pink showed their support for breast cancer awareness month. Pink lines were also applied to the court. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – The Southwick-Tolland Regional High School girls’ volleyball team suffered a heartfelt loss to visiting Westfield Monday that meant more about the charity rather than the “W” or “L.”
Westfield took down Southwick 3-0 in the “Spike It for Life” game. The fundraising event was dedicated to Libby Kulas, who fought two bouts with cancer before passing away last spring. Libby’s older sister, Allison, was a member of the Rams’ volleyball team before graduating last spring.
It was a fitting tribute during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Southwick’s Jess Martin bumps the ball. (Photo by Frederick Gore)
“Libby was always a strong supporter of our Southwick team, and attended every home game,” Southwick coach Kevin Pender said.
The contest opened with a very tight first set as Westfield had to scrap and claw for a 30-28 victory. The Bombers cruised in the final two sets, 25-15, 25-12.
“The long first set, combined with a sweltering gym, left the Lady Rams ragged,” coach Pender said. “A slow start to the second set allowed Westfield to get out in front early and never look back.”
Southwick received solid efforts from Millan Andreoli (7 kills), Jessica Martin (7 assists), and Bri Bourassa (9 digs). Alexa Morin (6 kills, 6 blocks, 1 ace) and Kelsey Johnstone (12 assists, 4 kills, 4 blocks, 3 aces) led Westfield.
