This past Saturday (October 17^th, 2020) CNCC played host to the first Alumni Volleyball Fundraiser Game. The fundraiser was organized by assistant coach Cassidi Stabile, which impressively raised over six-hundred dollars for the Side-Out Foundation. (A foundation aimed at raising funds to combat stage IV breast cancer.) In a time when people are hesitant to gather and their wallets are under pressure, Rangely, CNCC, and the athletes were able to rise to the occasion.

Vice President Peterson began the event by welcoming back and introducing the teams: the fresh-faced 2020 Spartans and the CNCC Alumni veterans.

Comprising the Alumni team were: Emily Wright, Jordan Cody, Eliza Gunderson, Kirsten Dahl, Faith Crabb, Breanna Jessop, Berkli Knapp (Johnson), and Abbey Rocha. The composite Alum team spanned from 2014-2018 graduates, all pursuing dreams that CNCC is proud to have been a part in fostering.
"It's awesome to have them back! I'm hopeful and would love to get invited back to play for the Alumni team when I have the chance," said Peanut Dryden when asked about how it felt playing against previous CNCC players.

The two Spartan teams set out to compete in a five-set game. Spirits were high as the Alumni team discussed their positions and strengths with one another while the Spartans huddled together in pregame preparation. What became apparent in the minutes before the first serve was that this competition would be one between improvised experience and practiced teamwork.

As the initial set began, the Spartans struck first, moving the ball quickly and setting up consecutive well-placed hits resulting in a 3-point lead and setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Alumni defense was able to hold strong and capitalize on opportunities culminating in a 25-22 set win.

The Spartans pulled ahead 9-3 in the second set with numerous kills from Outside Hitter Gabrielle Hertzke. A time out called by captain Izzy Stille inspired a hard-fought win, with the Spartans taking the set 25-23.

The Alums answered back in the third set winning by 6 points (25-19). Setter, Berkli Knapp (Johnson) scored over 7 points and assisted in 6 additional points in this set alone.

Peanut Dryden and Morgan Reynolds did their level best in the fourth set, accumulated a combined 10 digs but lost 26-24.

In the fifth and final set, the Spartans took an early 6-3 lead with three back to back kills before the Alums stuffed two hits at the net. Defense played a decisive role with the Alums holding out then pulling ahead and taking the set 25-23 (Taking the game 4 sets to 1.)

When asked about how it felt returning to CNCC, Berkli Knapp (Johnson) responded: "Like I never left." She laughed, then asked, "has it really been four years? Rangely is its own little place. Feels good to be back." She then elaborated on the game and her offensive performance in the third set, commenting, "Feels great cause I'm a setter! I'll take scoring points whenever I get the chance."

Dryden was hopeful and upbeat about the performance of the Spartan team, mentioning that improvements need to be accomplished, however for a first game together, she had high expectations going forward. She shared her thoughts and hopes for when the team can return to a normal season, saying, "We want wins. I'm hoping we beat the school record of twelve and beat every team in our conference."

For all sports, the 20-21 season is under a considerable amount of pressure and uncertainty, but to see competition return to the college with dives and kills in Hefley Gym was a breath of fresh air.

The Alumni and Spartan teams shared congratulations as the crowd showed them heartfelt appreciation and cheers for their efforts. The participants came together at the net shaking hands, laughing, and hugging. One thing stood above all others as the athletes lingered on the court, seemingly not wanting the moment to end:

All were Spartan strong.
 
If you would like to get involved or donate to the Side-Out Foundation follow the link provided below:
https://side-out.org/about/our-story/