NORWOOD, Ohio — Thursday night's volleyball match between Miami Valley Christian Academy and Norwood was about far more than the final score.

Before taking opposite sides of the net, players and coaches from both programs gathered together in prayer around longtime Norwood teacher and volleyball coach Melissa Stacy, who is battling stage 4 melanoma.

The special "Volley for a Cause" match was held in support of Stacy and her family, filling the Norwood gym with "Stacy Strong" shirts and a community united behind a coach who has spent years investing in young people. Stacy has battled melanoma for 10 years and returned to the sideline Thursday despite undergoing treatment.

For MVCA, it was an opportunity to live out something bigger than competition.

The Lions joined Norwood in lifting Stacy up in prayer before the match, surrounding her with athletes and coaches from both teams.

The spirit of generosity continued throughout the evening. MVCA's Nevah Schaffer's parents won the night's split-the-pot drawing worth $750 and chose to donate the entire amount back in support of Stacy and her family.

On the court, MVCA's junior varsity team earned a 2-0 victory before the varsity Lions completed a 3-0 sweep. But the results were only a small part of what made the night memorable.

Norwood's event ultimately raised approximately $4,000 for Stacy and her family, according to WLWT.

Thursday was a reminder that even while competing across the net, two communities can stand together for something far greater than a game.

MVCA continues to pray for Melissa Stacy, her family and the entire Norwood community as she continues her fight.