Braeden Wiggins received the annual scholarship prior to the third set on Friday.
On a night that stands for much more than volleyball the Lee Lady Flames dropped a three-set contest to Gulf South Conference foe, Montevallo on Friday evening from a pink-packed Walker Arena.
The Lady Flames dropped a tough back and forth first set, 25-23. Lee held a 23-21 advantage after Reagan Bratton ace before dropping the next four points. The loss seemed to deflate the home team as it fell 25-16 and 25-17 in the next two sets.
Emma Flowers led the way for the Lady Flames with 11 kills.
Scottie Cook added four blocks and Bratton posted 17 assists.
The highlight of the night came in between sets two and three when the annual Volley For A Cure Scholarship was given out to a local high school student whose family has been affected by Breast Cancer. This year's recipient was Braeden Wiggins. Braeden is the son of Dr. Candy Wiggins, who serves as Assistant Principal at Bradley Central High School. Candy is a survivor and champion over breast cancer. Within fifteen weeks of Candy getting her diagnosis in 2016, her sister and her father were also diagnosed with cancer. Her determined fight has now given her a beautiful life with her sons.
Only 12 years old at that time, Braeden chose to remain calm, respectful, even taking on his grandparents' yard work. During her treatments he excelled in school and in soccer and took on as much responsibility as he could in order to lighten her load and make her proud. Braeden is currently a senior at Cleveland High School, an honor roll student and varsity soccer player. His temporary plans are to attend Lee University to enter the nursing program or another healthcare field.
"It was a such a thrill to be a part of my first Volley For A Cure week," said first-year head coach Callie Murphy. "I'm honored to join in this great tradition of raising money, giving away scholarships and celebrating survivors and families affected by Breast Cancer. We are grateful to partner with the Mary Ellen Locher CHI Memorial Fund and seeing the scholarship presented to Braeden and the Wiggins family such a powerful moment."
Allie Dishman led a balanced Falcon attack with 15 kills. Morgan Hoffman chipped in 10 and Macy Martin added eight. Sav Roys tallied a double-double with 21 assists and 10 digs to go along with three aces.
"We didn't respond well after the tough first set loss," said Murphy. "I thought we missed some opportunities and didn't do a good job of adjusting to their middle hitters. We will take a day off and then be focused in on trying to send our seniors out with a victory on Sunday."
The win positions the Falcons to claim one of the eight spots in the GSC Tournament at 15-13 overall and 6-7 in league play. The Lady Flames are currently on the outside looking in after falling to 6-18 and 4-9 in the GSC.
Lee will wrap up the home schedule and honor its senior class on Sunday afternoon as it hosts rival Shorter University. First serve is set for 1 p.m. inside Walker Arena.