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Sports

Undefeated Lyons Volleyball Honors Erin Potts with Win

Tribute match, senior night, comfortable victory, all contribute to special evening.

December 18, 2009 marked the day that Lyons Township High School lost fellow daughter, sister, friend and graduate Erin Potts to Ewing's Sarcoma, a malignant cancer that internally attacks bone.

On Monday, Sept. 20, a crowded North Campus fieldhouse paid tribute to the young lady that lifted many people's hearts, as the varsity volleyball Lions comfortably defeated Queen of Peace High School, of Burbank, in two games by scores of 25-20, 25-18.  Strong performances by seniors Jocelyn Birks, Kaley Babich, Kelsey Keeve and Julia Watkins and juniors Laura Williams and Megan Miller characterized Lyons' undefeated season so far.

The win underlined the match's recognition of Potts' contribution to the LTHS volleyball program, as well as her role in the La Grange community as a whole, during her short life.

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In the lead-up to the game, T-shirts were sold by girls volleyball players, with funds being donated to the Sarcoma Alliance Foundation. Ticket sales for the evening were also donated to the charity fighting cancer. Prior to the match, Potts was noted for her part in LT and the local neighborhood. The appreciative applause in respect of Potts made for a truly special moment

"It means a lot," said David Potts, Erin's father. "It was kind of a surprise for us, as a lot of the girls on the team now never knew Erin, but it's thrilling and awe-inspiring for us."

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LTHS players mirrored the excitement in dedicating the event to Potts.

"By dedicating a game to her, we're all so happy that Erin can be remembered in such a big way," said senior player Liz O' Malley. "She was a big part of the program and by having this tribute she still can be."

Potts, whose one true love was always volleyball, played the game from the time she was little until the day she passed away.

"She played 11 out of 12 months a year," David Potts said. "It was her passion, she loved it and I don't think she would be able to do much else now."

The sentiment was well received all around, and Lyons' coach Joann Pyritz said participating in such a fundraiser as a team was undoubtedly a worthwhile experience.

"Whenever a team can work together for a cause, it's a good thing," Pyritz said. "This wasn't about us [though], it was about supporting a good cause and recognizing a girl who contributed to this program and to this school."

In addition to the match being a memorial for Potts, it was also senior night for the varsity squad, and prior to the match, the traditional senior send off with parents and flowered gifts capped off a memorable pre-game exhibition.

After the match, the Lions addressed their future team goals.

"Our [main] goal would have to be keep winning," junior superstar Alexis Villunas, who didn't figure in the match due to injury, said. "We want to win conference again, and to place in the top four at any tournaments. But the major goal of the season is not only to get back to state, but to win it."

Pyritz, however, said the girls must withstand any foresight and stay focused.

"It's still early and we don't want to get ahead of ourselves," Pyritz said. "We need all these little things to find our way back to state, but it's a long way off."

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