Natchitoches Central’s new volleyball team is raising money toward its startup goal of $20-25,000. The first of several fundraising events planned for the year is a Chicken Spaghetti Dinner Friday, July 8 on the downtown riverbank from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Sponsored by Cane River Charities, tickets are available through any team member. Plates will be $8 the day of the event and include green beans, garlic bread and a cookie.

Start up fees include uniforms, equipment and other necessities. The team will also hold an Ultimate Frisbee Tournament at the high school July 23 and a Tumbler Sale in August. Tumblers will feature the school logo, or other collegiate or professional team logos.
Working on their training, Head Coach Nikki Murphy’s husband built the girls a machine to practice hitting, while concentrating on their footwork. The machine extends the volleyball in the air, arms hold the ball in place and the ball can be raised or lowered depending on the girl’s height.

The team’s first game will be held Monday, Aug. 29. The home-game will take place in the outside gym, which is being remodeled after recent flood damage. Holes will be drilled into the new flooring to set posts for the volleyball nets. Sponsorship banners are available for businesses or individuals to purchase (2×6 banner for $175). The banners will hang in the newly remodeled gym.