The Circle

Issue date: 11/5/09 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ryan Hutton/ The Circle Senior Dawn Jan, teammate of Gutkowski, helped head 'Rae of Hope.'

On Sunday, Nov. 1, the McCann Center played host to a benefit volleyball match, which was the last of three events making up the 'Rae of Hope' fundraiser. The events were coordinated by Marist seniors Christopher Barnes, Alicia Mattiello, Cody Lahl and Dawn Jan to benefit Raeanna Gutkowski, a Marist junior and volleyball player who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.


On Monday, Nov. 2, the project announced they had raised a total of close to $5,000 to be donated to the Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Pediatrics Cancer Unit. The first event, which was held at Applebee's, across Route 9 from the Marist campus on Oct. 14, raised around $650. Patrons who presented a 'Rae of Hope' voucher had 10 percent of their check donated to Sloan-Kettering. The second event was an informative session on osteosarcoma, held in the Cabaret on October 20. Dr. Mary Dunne, director of the Health and Wellness Center here at Marist, spoke about the disease. Additionally, Andrea Pesavento and Allison Friedman, both counselors at the Health and Wellness Center, offered information on coping techniques for anyone dealing with a situation similar to Raeanna's.


The fundraiser's third and final event was the volleyball match played against Iona. Over 1,200 people packed into the McCann Center to show their support for Raeanna, making the match the highest grossing event of them all, raking in over $4,000. The money came from donations and the sale of raffle tickets which gave the spectators the chance to win autographed Jets memorabilia, along with other items.


Dawn Jan, one of the event coordinators and the captain of the volleyball team, along with the rest of the Marist women, waited to begin play at the edge of the court. A courageous Gutkowski stood with her teammates throughout the match, congratulating and encouraging them as they went on and came off of the court. Marist was looking to extend its winning streak to six.


Play began with an early Marist lead in the first set, but Iona soon went on a streak, pulling ahead to a commanding 16-10 lead. Marist would stay in stride but fell short, giving Iona victory by a margin of 25-21 in the first set. Seemingly revitalized, Marist came out and took a 6-0 lead early in the second set thanks to three kills recorded by junior Lindsey Schmid. The lead traded hands several times throughout, but Marist claimed victory by the slim margin of 25-23. Iona dominated the third set, holding on to the lead throughout, and finally taking a 2-1 lead in the match. The fourth set began with Iona taking an early 8-2 lead. The Foxes rallied and tied the match at 17. Neither team seemed to gain an edge until, with the set tied at 19, Iona went on a streak to take a 23-19 lead. Marist was unable to recuperate from the four-kill streak and fell, 25-21, in the set and 3-1 in the match.


"In terms of volleyball, the day wasn't a success," coach Tom Hanna said. "As far as the event goes, it was a tremendous success, and a great day. Both the turnout and the results of what they have raised are tremendous."


Coach Hanna is hoping to get into the MAAC tournament for the first time in the program's history this year. The team stands at 15-10 and 9-5 in MAAC.

Despite the extra 'L' in the loss column, it can be said that Sunday's match was a true victory; a win beyond sports. For Raeanna Gutkowski, there is a fighting chance as long as there is hope.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools