FRIDAY vs. SHORTER: LIVE STATS | LIVE VIDEO
SATURDAY vs. LEE: LIVE STATS | LIVE VIDEO

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By Bill Vilona
GoArgos.com Senior Writer 
 
The impact of a significant event with the UWF volleyball team is best experienced whenever coach Melissa Wolter has a chance encounter among supporters.

"I will be out and about on the other side of town and I will see people wearing our 'Pack It Pink' shirts from years ago," Wolter said. "So, it just goes to show that its a neat event that touches a lot of people. 

"And that's what we always envisioned it would be."

This weekend, a volleyball game with a powerful cause reaches a 15-year milestone. 

The 13^th ranked Argos (15-4) will play a 2 p.m. game Saturday against Lee University in their 15^th annual Pack It Pink match to further awareness of breast cancer and October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Argos will begin their home weekend on Friday night with a 6 p.m. Family Night game against Shorter University. 

Saturday's game is free admission and presented by Baptist Healthcare Oncology and The Andrews Institute. UWF will be accepting donations to benefit the battle against breast cancer. 

It was 15 years ago in April 2007 when Wolter underwent her last radiation treatments for breast cancer. She has been cancer free ever since, while staying committed to helping and supporting others in the Pensacola area impacted by cancer. 

"At our first meeting (for Saturday's Pack It Pink game), just looking at the agenda and seeing the words, '15^th annual,' was a bit of a shock. It has been a long time," Wolter said. 

"This event has really evolved over the years," she said. "I think the whole community has really embraced this whole event in general. It really never gets old."

This year's event will feature a pregame reception beginning at 12:30 p.m. at the Argo Athletic Club for breast cancer survivors and those who have lost loved ones to cancer. 

"It is a chance to celebrate lives with people, who have been touched by cancer," Wolter said.

Prior to the National Anthem and start of the first set, there will recognition of breast cancer survivors with a poignant pregame introduction with the UWF players. 

An online auction for various items will conclude at 12 p.m. Saturday, leading into a live auction from that point. Gifts include pink volleyballs signed by the players, player jerseys, gift baskets from area business, going to lunch with Wolter or athletic director Dave Scott, private coaching sessions for youth players, and free rounds of golf at area courses.

Wolter said each year of this event has been an emotional experience for herself and team players. 

"I think it has been passed down from the first generation of athletes here (15 years ago)," Wolter said. "Everybody in some form or fashion within our family has been touched by cancer. 

"And I think there is just great pride in the event in why we are doing it. I think the girls motivate themselves to put on a good show for all those people in the stands and play for a cause, which I think is what we preach here. 

"We always say, that is not about you. It is about this life you lead and who you become as an individual ought to be about serving other people. This event is great opportunity to do it."

The Argos bounced back Tuesday with a three-set win at Alabama-Huntsville, which followed a five-set road loss against Mississippi College last Saturday. That loss ended UWF's four-season, 51-match consecutive win streak against Gulf South Conference opponents in the regular season. 

"We have to continue to grind and figure out what our identity is going to be when our backs are against the wall." Wolter said. "That's what that Mississippi College match taught us. I don't think we were ready for a situation like that as a team. But we are now. 

"I thought we performed well (Tuesday) against a quality team. When you play on the road, you are going to deal with a crowd heckling you. For our team, many of our players, that was first time in that kind of environment. We were really error prone that night.

"I feel our best volleyball is still ahead of us. I'm excited about that. We are starting to see some things we have been training for weeks now pay dividends in matches and I'm excited about that."

UWF is 7-1 in GSC play, trailing Union (7-0) in the league standings. The Argos lead the GSC in several offensive categories – hitting percentage, assists and kills. Wolter has stressed improvement in areas without the ball.

"I think we are starting to take great pride in our blocking and our defense," she said. "Our offense is not the issue. We have a lot of players who can put balls away on any given night. 

"I do think conference is stronger this year," Wolter said. "I think we have four or five teams in our conference, who can really challenge another team on any night. That's good. That's what we want. We want to be battle-tested night in and night out."

Two of the Argos' top players and team leaders, setter Taylor Vaneekeren and outside hitter Camila Vazquez, were named GSC offensive and defensive players of the week. Vazquez leads the league in hitting percentage, just ahead of teammate Jenna Zydlo. 

Vaneekeren leads the league in assists. Avery Rodgers is third in points and kills.

"I think from top to bottom there is a lot of depth at different positions," Wolter said. "Camila is a one-year transfer and she's had a phenomenal year for us.  We have a lot of new faces and a really different lineup from match to match. 

"We are not settled into one lineup, which is not a bad thing. It is really hard to scout us. We had a player struggle in passing (Tuesday) and we had another sub in and she was outstanding. So, I feel we have some safety nets for things that might happen in a match which is a rare situation. 

"Most teams have their seven or eight players they are going to play and really don't have relief from the bench. I like what we're about."

WANT TO GO?
WHAT: UWF Volleyball 
WHO:  Shorter University vs. UWF on Friday; Lee University vs. UWF on Saturday. 
WHEN: Friday's game is at 6 p.m., Saturday's "Pack It Pink" game begins at 2 p.m.
WHERE: UWF Field House
ADMISSION: Friday game is $5 general admission and $3 for non-UWF students, seniors and military members. A special $20 family package will include four tickets, four hot dogs and four fountain drinks. 
Saturday's game is free admission with donations accepted at the entrance to benefit the battle against breast cancer. Free pink T-shirts will be handed out, along with free screening information for spectators.