The Monmouth College softball team won twice on the field last Friday, but what they did off the field will make an even larger impact. The Fighting Scots hosted Strikeout Cancer as they faced Eureka College on April 15 and during the event the team raised $1302.10 to donate to American Cancer Society.
The Scots partnered with MC Sports to sell more than 60 Strikeout Cancer t-shirts prior to the game. The players utilized their social media accounts to collect donations during the week leading up to the April 15 games. At the games on Friday, the Scots collected donations at a table where baked goods, ribbons and bracelets were available.
“I am extremely grateful that we could use the sport of softball as a platform for something so important,” said coach Alexa McClaughry. “Designating these games to raise awareness and funds for the American Cancer Society is humbling. The total amount raised was more than I anticipated.”
The Scots wore pink t-shirts during the double header to raise awareness for breast cancer while Eureka wore light blue t shirts to raise awareness for prostate cancer. Prior to the game both teams lined up on the foul lines, holding up “Strikeout Cancer” cards dedicated to loved ones who have battled, or are currently battling cancer. The National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) hosts Strikeout Cancer events throughout the country to raise awareness through softball.
Suzanne Wilson, mother of Monmouth sophomore Maddie Wilson (Wyoming, Illinois) threw out a ceremonial first pitch. The first pitch was in honor of Suzanne’s mother, Maddie’s grandmother, Barb Carroll who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2020.
“We were reminded that there’s so much more to life than softball,” said McClaughry. “I couldn’t be more proud of the way our softball community stepped up for the cause and hopefully we can build on this tradition in the years to come.”
***Report Courtesy of Nathan Baliva, Monmouth College***
