The annual Cherry Bowl Tournament, the volleyball games that have been played in Cherry Grove since 1984, took place on August 3, with the Suffolk County Police Team, the Copettes, led by their captain Keith Charley, once again opposing the Grovettes, the home team, led by their captain Sue Panzer. It was “a real nail biter,” as former games caller Sal Piro would have described it, with the teams often tied and each of the games of the match appearing, for long stretches, to be anyone’s game. But, ultimately, the Copettes prevailed.
Mascot Robby Ranger, in black-and-white convict’s stripes, began the proceedings with his antics, pretending to steal the volleyballs. Then, to music of the Suffolk County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band and Drum Corps, in their kilts, playing “The Caisson Song” (“The Caissons Go Rolling Along”), the US Army song, and “Anchors Aweigh,” the US Navy song, the musicians, the Grovettes, the Copettes, and the cheerleading Cherry Tarts marched around the volleyball court, led by Lorraine Michels, celebrating her 70th birthday and carrying the American flag. Assisted by DJ Chuck McTague, current caller for the games, Porsche sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” Doreen Rallo served as referee. Mark Atten, who played in the original games 32 years ago, was once again part of the Grove team. Andi Porzio is the Grovettes’ Coach Emeritus.
The Copettes won the first game, 25 to 21. The Grovettes won the second, 25 to 13. At half-time, Lavinia Draper sang “Let’s Hear It for the Boy,” and climbed atop the pyramid that the Cherry Tarts and one Copette formed. The pipers and drummers played “God Bless America,” “Over There,” “When the Saints Go Marching It” and—solemnly accompanying a moment of silence, in memory of those lost during this summer’s violence—“Amazing Grace.” Near the end of the tiebreaking game, the Cherry Tarts staged a sit-in on the Copettes’ side of the net, but the visiting team went on to victory in the deciding game nevertheless, beating the Grovettes 25 to 19.