By Hesperia Volleyball Coach Monica Grimard N3- The annual Lori Vargas Volley Against Violence Tournament has been raising money since 2012 to help organizations that deal with domestic violence while increasing awareness of this pervasive problem. Panther Coach Monica Grimard has spearheaded the gathering since organizing the initial VAV with then Coach Joan David. The name of the event was changed 5 years ago to honor its namesake whose life was ended by domestic violence. Ms. Vargas was the mother of a former Panther player. On Saturday, October 23rd Hesperia was able to host their annual Lori Vargas Volley Against Violence Tournament after having to get creative and split the annual tournament into 4 quads in 3 locations last year with all of the COVID restrictions. This year 15 teams were able to compete in a 12 hour awareness event, spread out carefully, of course! Hesperia, Newaygo, White Cloud, Fremont, Grant, Marion, Cedar Springs, Pentwater, Chippewa Hills, Reed City, Tri-County, Frankfort, and Onekama were all returning teams, while Mason County Eastern and Montabella were newcomers this year to the annual event. Outlasting 13 other teams, Fremont and Grant ended as co-champions. This past Thursday evening they played for the bigger trophy and bragging rights,and also the gold division championship for the CSAA. The Tigers won that match and the Packers will get a chance for redemption when they meet in the Districyt opener on Monday. Ten players were chosen by the officials for the All-Tournament Team. Lacey McCallum from Hesperia, Kayla Fisk from Newaygo, Carson Scarlavai from White Cloud, Alexis LaCount from Fremont, Chloe Chase from Grant, Kendra Ray from Chippewa HIlls, Makenna Outwin and Kennedi Jager from Cedar Springs, Katelynn Holmes from Reed City, and Taylor Kruse from Marion. The Panthers came out on top of their pool, with the record of 3 wins and a split with Newaygo 25-24, 24-25, after coming back in game 2 from a 1-14 deficit, the lady Panthers battled to earn the number #1 seed. Next, it was on to tournament play and the Panthers battled three exciting sets with the Packers of Fremont with the scores 20-25, 25-20, and 9-15.
Panther offensive leaders were Elli McAree with 31 kills, Emma Joppich and Emmet Tinkham with 17 and 16 kills respectively, and 13 kills from Lacey McCallum. Additionally, McCallum had 75 assists on the day and 22 aces. Joppich and Tinkham had 18 and 14 aces at the service line as well. Defensively, Joppich and Emma Muckey each had 32 digs on the day, while McCallum added 22 digs for the Panthers. McAree had 4 blocks, Tinkham and Caitlyn Frees each added a block for the Panthers. Although all the totals are not added, we feel it was a successful day of volleyball, fundraising, and awareness! We would like to thank all who helped to make a successful event! “Domestic violence does not discriminate. Anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion or gender can be a victim – or perpetrator – of domestic violence. It can happen to people who are married, living together or who are dating. It affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.”-Tracy Malone
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