WOODWARD — Tuesday’s volleyball match between Panorama and host Woodward-Granger took on added significance when it was announced, only a few days ago, that the contest would serve as an opportunity to raise funds for hurricane relief.
W-G alumna and former Hawk volleyball standout Kate Phillips Fleming teaches at Lutheran South Academy in Houston, Texas. The school itself received serious flood damage during the hurricane, but of more importance was the impact the storm had on the families of the student body, almost all of who suffered tremendous property damage and loss.
Kue’d Barbeque catered a breakfast-themed freewill dinner in the W-G cafeteria prior to the match, with a variety of gift baskets offered for a silent auction. Fans could also pledge a certain amount for each ace serve by W-G in the varsity match. A donation box for cash and check offerings was also made available.
It was announced before the match that the Panorama community — who had only learned of the charity designation of the match Sunday — had come through with a generous donation of $400.
The funds had been previously raised by the Panorama sixth graders, but no destination had been determined for the donation when news of need in Houston and the connection to W-G reached the school, which then voted to give the money to aid Lutheran South.
Preliminary counts indicate some $3,550 had been raised Tuesday. All will be sent to aid the families of Lutheran South, many of who lack even the more common of items — clothes, toiletries, etc.
Woodward-Granger was a 3-0 winner in the match behind scores of 25-8, 25-12 and 25-17. The Hawks finished with 24 aces, with junior Anna Tague tying the school record for aces in a match with 11 on 22-of-23 serving.
