Thursday night inside The Pit at NorthWood High School was about much more than volleyball. It was a night of remembrance, generosity, community, and hope as NorthWood and Wawasee came together for the 6th Annual Pink Out, raising an incredible $6,725 for the Goshen Center for Cancer Care. On the court, the NorthWood Red Slam delivered a strong performance, sweeping Northern Lakes Conference rival Wawasee in three sets, 25-15, 25-22, 25-20. But the greatest victory of the evening came from the collective efforts of two schools and their communities, united in the fight against cancer. Two Teams. One Cause. Dressed in pink, the Panthers and Warriors set aside their conference rivalry to support a cause that extends far beyond athletics. Proceeds from the evening will benefit a fund at the Goshen Center for Cancer Care that assists uninsured and underinsured patients in the community, helping ensure that individuals facing cancer have access to the treatment and care they need. This year's event carried an especially meaningful purpose as the evening's donation was dedicated in loving memory of Deb Widner, who passed away on March 23, 2025, following her battle with cancer. Deb was the wife of longtime NorthWood Athletic Trainer Paul Widner, who has served NorthWood student-athletes and the surrounding community since 1987. Following the junior varsity contest, NorthWood Head Volleyball Coach Hilary Laidig led a special memorial recognizing Deb's life and the impact she and her family have had on the NorthWood community. With Paul Widner present, the moment served as a heartfelt reminder of the people and families behind the cause. For a community that has benefited from Paul's decades of care, dedication, and service, the tribute provided an opportunity to honor someone deeply connected to the NorthWood family. The evening's message was simple but powerful: Play for a Cure. Two Teams. One Cause. ======================== A Community That Continues to Give Throughout the evening, The Pit and the South Surge were filled with activities that brought students, families, supporters, and community members together. The Wall of Hope provided an opportunity for attendees to recognize loved ones currently battling cancer, celebrate survivors, and remember those who have passed away. Each name represented a personal connection to a cause that touches so many families. Fans also participated in basket raffles, a balloon pop, Pink Out merchandise sales, and donations collected throughout the matches. Local food vendors provided additional opportunities for attendees to contribute while enjoying the evening. The generosity extended well beyond those in attendance, with local businesses, families, organizations, and sponsors helping make the event possible. By the conclusion of the varsity contest, the collective efforts of the NorthWood and Wawasee communities had generated $6,725, which was proudly presented to the Goshen Center for Cancer Care. It was a fitting conclusion to an evening built around the belief that when two communities come together, their impact can extend far beyond the scoreboard. ================================= Red Slam Sweeps Wawasee in NLC Matchup While the evening's greater purpose took center stage, NorthWood's varsity volleyball team added to the celebration with an impressive three-set sweep of the Warriors. The Panthers established control early, taking the opening set 25-15 behind an effective offensive attack and strong defensive play. Wawasee responded with a competitive second set, but NorthWood remained composed in the closing points to secure a 25-22 victory and take a commanding two-set advantage. The Red Slam carried that momentum into the third set, finishing off the conference victory with a 25-20 win to complete the sweep. Ella Branham led NorthWood's offensive attack with 16 kills, while also contributing 10 digs and two blocks in an outstanding all-around performance. Emily DeFreitas and Grace Thompson added four kills apiece to provide additional offensive support. Defensively, Kenzie Miller led the Panthers with 13 digs, followed by Branham's 10. At the net, Addie Davis recorded a team-high three blocks, while Lily Thompson, Branham, and Jhamaya each contributed two. NorthWood's offense was directed by Allie Yoder, who finished with 17 assists, while Davis added 11 assists. Varsity Statistical Leaders Kills: Ella Branham (16), Emily DeFreitas (4), Grace Thompson (4) Digs: Kenzie Miller (13), Ella Branham (10) Blocks: Addie Davis (3), Lily Thompson (2), Ella Branham (2), Jhamaya (2) Assists: Allie Yoder (17), Addie Davis (11) NorthWood's junior varsity squad also contributed to the evening's success, sweeping Wawasee in straight sets, 25-7 and 25-15. The Panthers controlled the opening set before closing out the Warriors in the second to secure another conference victory. With the win, NorthWood's JV improves to 15-10 overall and 5-2 in Northern Lakes Conference play. The freshman contest went in favor of Wawasee who defeated NorthWood 25-14, 25-19. ====================== A Night Made Possible by Many An event of this magnitude requires tremendous coordination, generosity, and a shared commitment to making a difference. NorthWood Athletics extends its sincere appreciation to the Pink Out committee for its dedication to organizing the evening, including Heather Lechlitner for overseeing finances, Jenn Fishburn for coordinating fundraising efforts, Jessica Yoder for transforming The Pit for the occasion, and Andrea Abel for representing Wawasee throughout the planning process. Special appreciation also goes to the many businesses, families, organizations, and individual sponsors whose contributions helped make the evening successful, along with the vendors, volunteers, student-athletes, coaches, and supporters who gave their time and resources. Here are many: Visiting Angels, Cherish the Moment, Jody and Tara Lengacher, April Lamb, Nelson’s Catering, Suck it up, buttercup!, Lakeside Coffee Co., Bobbi Beer, Sports Image Apparel, Jamie Fink, Jenny Ummel, R. Yoder Construction, and Nephew Pharmacy. Most importantly, thank you to the NorthWood and Wawasee communities for once again demonstrating the impact that can be made when people unite behind something greater than themselves. The scoreboard will reflect a NorthWood victory on Thursday night, but the lasting impact of the 6th Annual Pink Out will be measured by something far more meaningful. It will be measured in the names written on the Wall of Hope, the memories shared, the families supported, and the patients who will benefit from the generosity of two communities. $6,725 raised. Two teams united. One cause worth fighting for.