Gower Middle, Jefferson Jr. High Girls Volley For A Cure

The Gower Middle School girls volleyball team, along with the help of Woodridge rivals at have raised almost $1,500 at their first annual Volley for the Cure game Tuesday night.

Gower raised about $300 with a bake sale that took place during school as well as at the game, said Debbie Bailey, Gower's varsity volleyball coach.

"The girls have totally enjoyed it," Bailey said. "It's a way to continue to raise awareness. It's something the girls have ownership of."

Volley for the Cure began in Ohio in 2006 when two rival high school volleyball teams decided to work together to support the fight against breast cancer. While the event has caught on at the high school level, Jefferson and Gower are two of the first junior high or middle schools to participate in the event.

The Jefferson girls varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams raised more than $1,100 from Sept. 27 to the game on Oct. 5. Varsity Volleyball Coach Troy Johnson said support came from the school's students, families and staff.

"Several of the teachers and administrators donated significant amounts of money," Johnson said. "A significant amount was also raised by the families and friends of the kids. The kids gave quarters, dollars – whatever they had on them."

The two teams wore pink shirts and played with a pink volleyball. Gower held a bake sale and sold water and pink bracelets. At times, fans were encouraged to donate $1 for each volley before a point was scored. All donations will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Gower won both the junior varsity and varsity games. The Jefferson varsity volleyball team lost their matches 25-11 and 25-21.

The junior varsity game went to three matches. Gower won the first 25-16, Jefferson won the second 25-23 and Gower won the game 15-9.