The gym buzzed with excitement as the girls’ Varsity Volleyball team battled on the court, drawing cheers from the stands filled with pink pom-poms and T-shirts. This wasn’t just any game; This wasn’t just any game; it was a defining moment in an incredible season, securing the teams bid to advance in the regional series. The players claimed a hard-fought four-set victory over Saint Andrews, securing their spot in the regional semifinals. The night was more than a showcase of athletic skill—it was also a powerful tribute to one of RE’s cherished traditions: rallying together to support breast cancer awareness through the annual Dig Pink celebration.
Amidst scheduling issues due to hurricane Milton and uncertainty regarding the rescheduling of the game, Dig Pink proceeded seamlessly alongside the district tournament on Wednesday, October 16, on the home court.
The Raiders delivered a standout performance. Seniors Mia Jean Claude ’25 and Julia Lewkowitz ’25 led the offense, delivering powerful, unreturnable spikes that racked up a combined 41 kills.
On defense, Addison Pollock ’25 was a force in the back row, repeatedly diving to keep hard-hit balls in play, tallying a season-high 43 digs. These combined efforts resulted in a Raider victory that advanced the girls to the regional semifinals the following week.
The match opened with a strong first set from the Raiders, securing an early lead. However, Saint Andrews rebounded in the second set, leaving all the stakes in the third set.
In the tense battle, Addison Pollock ‘25 anchored the back row, demonstrating exceptional defensive plays that ultimately secured a narrow 25-23 victory.
This momentum carried the team through the fourth set, where they pulled out a 25-22 final score to win the game.
Despite losing footing in the second set, the team was able to come together as they pushed forward to close out the fourth set and the match.
Freshman setter Nalah Picchetti ’28 and senior Lindsay Ng ’25 played crucial roles in the latter half of the game, combining for 43 assists, particularly in the pivotal third and fourth sets.
For many players, the annual Dig Pink event holds special influence. The event goes beyond the court, fostering a sense of unity and purpose as students, staff, and family’s rep pink attire, glitter, and accessories to show their support.
“I had a lot of fun going to the game and supporting some of my best friends. It’s for a really good cause, and it’s to raise awareness for a situation that affects a lot of women, so it’s great to see the crowd show out in pink attire with parents handing out pom poms to really get us hyped. You can definitely feel the energy,” recalled Anna Lavernia ’25.
The girls’ efforts on the court were not their only contribution to the cause. Many players, including Lindsay Ng ’25 and Bella Ranawat ’26, took the lead in organizing a schoolwide assembly, inviting Dr. Starr Koslow Mautner, a surgeon with clinical expertise in breast surgical oncology at the Breast Center at Miami Cancer Institute, to speak about advancements in treatment and the importance of raising awareness for breast cancer. “It was such a rewarding experience to sit beside someone who changes women’s lives,” Ng reflected.
Dr. Mautner emphasized the importance of awareness and being proactive with your own health. “It’s very empowering to see breast cancer survivors or active members in the medical fields that deal directly with breast cancer speak to the school. I know a lot of teammates who have family members who have had breast cancer feel like they’re supported by the Ransom community,” explained Lavernia.
Dr. Mautner also spoke about the power of activism in being a beacon of support for anyone fighting breast cancer. “Knowing you have people in your corner despite unfortunate circumstances can be so powerful. The assembly made me realize the importance of that,” says Julia Leitao ‘26
Karina Ly ’25, who has participated in Dig Pink for six years both as a member of the RE Volleyball team and as a student, noted how meaningful it was to see her teammates come together under such a powerful cause. Ly had this to say about the assembly, “The assembly really stood out to me this year, watching my teammates on stage and realizing how impactful our message as a volleyball team truly was.”
The girls also had success in raising money for the cause through their annual Dig Pink Bake Sale, raising over $3,000 for breast cancer research, a testament to the collective effort of the community. “This year’s bake sale really quantified the impact that we had as just a small team of volleyball players, even though we’re not the ones doing the amazing work that breast cancer researchers do. We really had a great impact this year, and I hope to see it translated to next year and the years following,” said Ng.
But the Dig Pink game was only a glimpse of the energy, teamwork, and determination that defined the Raiders’ entire season. After their Dig Pink victory, the team continued to the regional semifinals, where their impressive journey eventually came to an end. Throughout the season, the Raiders demonstrated resilience, grit, and a deep bond both on and off the court. From thrilling comebacks to neck-to-neck matches, the girls worked tirelessly to achieve an unforgettable season filled with unwavering spirits, camaraderie, and incredible performances.
As the season wrapped up, the Raiders looked back on a year marked not only by hard-fought victories but also by the spirit of togetherness that brought their team and community closer. “Dig Pink is so much more than a volleyball game, it’s a reflection of our teamwork off the court and the overall RE community coming together to support such an amazing cause,” explained Addison Pollock ‘25.
