Merritt Island Defeats Satellite In Volleyball Match To Spotlight Cancer Awareness

SPACE COAST DAILY TEAM COVERAGE

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BREVARD COUNTY • MERRITT ISLAND, FLORIDA – Space Coast Daily and the Friday Night Locker Room broadcasted the games from Merritt Island High School as the Mustangs went on to defeat the Satellite Scorpions Thursday night in the varsity game 25-10, 24-13, 25-14 in a trifecta of games that spotlighted cancer awareness.

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE BROADCAST FROM THURSDAY

Earlier in the day, Satellite won the JV match.

The Mustangs hosted the Lady Scorps in a color filled atmosphere with each cancer having it’s own color ribbon.

Cancer not only affects those afflicted with illness but it also affects those left behind and those that care for the survivors. Many stories of lost loved ones and survivors exist just on the Merritt Island team.

“I expect this night will be very emotional,” said the 2014 Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame inductee and Merritt Island Mustangs Varsity Coach Angie Patrick before Thursday night’s matchup.

ABOVE VIDEO: Merritt Island Mustang Volleyball Coach Angie Patrick before her team takes on the Satellite High School Scorpions. 

Mustangs senior Alyssa Zwolensky lost her dad to a rare brain cancer in April.

On Thursday night, Zwolensky was named Friday Night Locker Room’s Player of the Game as she helped lead her Mustangs to victory Thursday night with 7 kills.

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Zwolensky was named Friday Night Locker Room’s Player of the Game as she helped lead her team to victory Thursday night with 7 kills.

As part of honoring those who have suffered from cancer, the game program included the names of victims. There was also a silent auction and a bake sale to help raise money.

“The parents have come together and made some beautiful baskets to sell for the fundraiser and Georgianna United Methodist Church of Merritt Island has agreed to match the funds we raise,” said Patrick.

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Merritt Island Volleyball ranked no. 9 in Bright House Sports Network’s latest top 10 poll. (MIHS image)

Coach Patrick knew emotions would be high, on both sides.

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“It will be sad as we think about how cancer has taken our loved ones away and made others so very sick.  It will be joyous as we see the girls play hard for those same people,” said Patrick, before Thursday night’s victory.

“It is always inspirational to see everyone come together for the cause.”

The Lady Mustangs varsity team was 64-31-0 all-time vs. the Lady Scorps before Thursday night’s matchup, but as Patrick pointed out, “I am grateful that Satellite agreed to come on board and recognize the need to support all cancer research.  On this night we play and coach this conference and district match not just for a record, but for a cause.”

ABOVE VIDEO: Satellite High School Volleyball Head Coach Daren Bolton before his team takes on Merritt Island.

Merritt Island isn’t alone with stories of how cancer has affected all of us. Satellite coach Daren Bolton is included among those who have lost family members.

Alan Zlotorzynski broadcasted the matchup Thursday and it has a special place in his heart.

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Al Zlotorzynski Sr.

He learned one year ago that his father was stricken with kidney cancer where the late Al Zlotorzynski Sr., lost his battle 31 days later.

As both teams battled it out on the court, both teams wore pink uniforms to raise awareness and show unity for a greater cause.

Merritt Island heads to Orlando next week to play in the annual Dig Pink tournament, which helps raise cancer awareness.

Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.
Merritt Island and Satellite volleyball squads raise awareness on cancer with a night dedicated to those affected by cancer and to promote awareness and raise funds.

ABOVE VIDEO: Merritt Island Head Volleyball Coach Angie Patrick is a member of the Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame.

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