The varsity volleyball team’s annual Dig Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness took place October 21 in Milken’s gym. This year was particularly exceptional with the team’s first time win of the Dig Pink tournament.

From two in the afternoon to ten at night, the girls bumped, set, and spiked their way through the games. They cruised through their first three teams, crushing Faith Baptist, New Roads, and Valley Torah. In the finals, Milken beat out rivals Pacifica Christian after a nail-biting match, winning in straight sets, 25-19, 25-17.

“Playing and beating our rival Pacifica Christian was the best part of a great day,” Jordyn Schiff ’13 stated enthusiastically.

Special honors went to Shaida Hiekali ’11 and Cydney Shorkend ’11, both returning seniors, who made the all-tournament team. Additionally, Ariella Barry ’12 was awarded the title of tournament MVP.

Beyond the victory, however, the girls were successful in promoting their cause, which was to support awareness for breast cancer.

Last year, the team decided to join the Dig Pink organization in order to create more spirit and help a cause they truly believed in. The Dig Pink organization was created by the Side-Out Foundation, which aids breast cancer research. The team decided to sell pink T-shirts, jerseys, water bottles, and bracelets in order to help raise money.

“Raising money for breast cancer, while playing volleyball, made me feel like I’m accomplishing something great,” Schiff said.

In addition to the varsity team, the girls’ junior varsity and frosh/soph were also successful in the hosting of their annual Wildcat Dig Pink Volleyball Tournament.

On Wednesday, the frosh/soph team struggled in pool play, but were easily successful in the playoffs, beating Santa Clarita Christian in the finals to become tournament champions.  Ariella Rabbani ’14 and Lauren Levy ’13 were selected to the All Tournament Team, while Dani Glouberman ’13 took the MVP of the Tournament Award.

The junior varsity team was also successful on Thursday, beating seven-time tournament champion Windward in a hard fought, three-game thriller to win the junior varsity tournament.  This was the team’s first time in 13 tries to win the tournament. Leigh Evans ’12  and Hailey Katz ’13 also were selected to be members of the All Tournament Team, and Zoe Shpiner ’13 was selected as MVP.

Along with the varsity’s tournament win October 21, Milken teams took first places in all three tournaments; 2010 was a year of historical success for the Milken Wildcats.