‘Pink Out’ Turnout Inspirational, Volleyball Captain Says

“It is really an inspiration seeing everyone here,” Westfield volleyball co-captain, Kayla Rodrigues, said following Friday’s annual "Pink Out."

For the fifth year, the Westfield High School volleyball team has hosted the annual Pink Out, which raises awareness and funds for Breast Cancer, as well as honors Breast Cancer survivors, including the team's coach, Bev Torok.

“It’s really meaningful to us because our coach had cancer,” Rodrigues added.

The fact the freshman and varsity teams lost to Watchung Hills, was really an afterthought in the evening, as the crowds cheered the girls on and cheered even louder as the names of Breast Cancer survivors were announced following the matches.

The freshman team lost their first two matches, while the Junior Varsity team won both matches, continuing their 9-0 record. Both Varsity matches were tied at many occasions in a back-to-back competitive match, but the Blue Devils ultimately lost both matches to Watchung Hills, 25-14 and 25-21.

 In addition to the freshman, junior varsity and varsity volleyball matches against Watchung Hills, there was also a Tricky Tray and 50/50. Almost the whole crowd was wearing ‘Pink Out’ shirts and if not they incorporated some type of pink into their outfits.

All proceeds from the event will go to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Last year, the girls raised over $20,000 for the foundation and they are hoping they will top that this year. So far, the event raised over $17,000 just from sponsorships, but the money raised from the raffle, 50/50, paraphernalia sales and serving contest are still being calculated.

Junior Varsity Coach Sara Liptack addressed the crowd following the matches and expressed how unbelievable the turn out continues to be each year.

“Thanks for coming out in your sea of pink,” she yelled.

The following Breast Cancer survivors were honored and given flowers at the end of the evening: Bev Torok – Westfield Varsity Volleyball Coach, Stephanie Scarano – Elena Scarano’s (player) Grandmother, Carmela Resnick – Gabrielle Cofone’s (player) Aunt, Roseanne Liviosi – Friend of Liz Cofone, Janice Weinberg – Emma Lorenzo’s Aunt, Diana Csimbok, Diane Sawanobori – Hana Sawanobori’s (Watchung Hill player) Mom, Kathy Finan – Friend & Co-worker of Laura LaBrozzi, Stacey Ukrainski, Amy Green, The family of Sally Martinez, Michele Trout and Amanda Truppa.

The 'Pink Out' was also played in memory of Westfield teammate Allie Harth.

Check back with Westfield Patch for when we find out how much was raised!