There are two things Sutton's Jamie and Vanessa Van Kirk always expect when they play basketball or volleyball at rival Sandy Creek -- good, tough competition on the court and a big hug from Sandy Creek mom Kathy Shaw.

"After every sporting event, she always told us 'we support you even though you're not Sandy Creek,' " Vanessa Van Kirk said. "She supported all athletes.''

Kathy, the mother of Sandy Creek volleyball standouts Keri and Mikaela Shaw, became ill Tuesday night during Class C-2 No. 4 Sutton's match at second-ranked Sandy Creek. Kathy Shaw was transported to a Hastings hospital where she later died.

The death has left both schools and their communities mourning.

"This is tough for all of us to deal with,'' said Sandy Creek athletic director Russ Ninemire, who has coached all five of Steve and Kathy Shaw's children as the school's football, girls basketball and track coach.

Brian, the oldest, was a starting linebacker on Nebraska's football team. Pam, the 1998 Journal Star Nebraska Girls Prep Athlete of the Year along with teammate Elizabeth Herbek, played college basketball at Briar Cliff. Amber, an all-stater in volleyball and basketball, was an All-American volleyball player at Hastings College

Keri, a junior middle blocker, and Mikaela, a freshman setter, have played significant roles in Sandy Creek's turnaround volleyball season, going from 5-23 last year to 18-5 so far this season. Keri had a match-high 16 kills in Sutton's four-set win Tuesday.

Kathy Shaw "has always been very involved in our school and community for a long time,'' said Sandy Creek principal Jason Searle, who had a counselor at the school Wednesday for grieving students.

"He (the counselor) met with a lot of the (volleyball) girls,'' Searle added. "The volleyball team is a close-knit family, and they needed some time and space as well as someone to talk to today.''

Jamie Van Kirk, a junior like Keri, became friends with the youngest Shaw sisters through the Sutton-Sandy Creek rivalry in middle school and high school. Jamie became even closer with Keri this summer as she practiced a number of times with Jamie's Nebraska Twisterz club basketball team.

"She (Mrs. Shaw) was one of the nicest persons I've ever met, always kind and caring,'' said Jamie Van Kirk, fighting back tears. "Our team will be there for Keri and Mikaela and their family to support them.''

Searle said Sandy Creek's home match with Class D-1 No. 6 Palmer for Thursday has been canceled. Funeral services for Kathy Shaw will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Deweese at Assumption Catholic Church.

Reach Ron Powell at 473-7437 or rpowell@journalstar.com.