Courtesy Massachusetts Maritime Sports Information

Buzzards Bay, Mass. --  The Massachusetts Maritime volleyball program will join hundreds of teams across the country during the month of October in participating in The Side-Out Foundation’s “Dig Pink” program in support of breast cancer awareness and research.

The Buccaneers will conduct special events at all three of their home matches at the Clean Harbors Athletic Center next month, as all proceeds from event admission and sales of special “Dig Pink” items that include pink bracelets, t-shirts and other apparel will go directly to organizations that support breast cancer research and awareness through The Side-Out Foundation.  In addition, Massachusetts Maritime will be sporting pink uniform shirts in support of all those who have been affected by breast cancer.

“To be able to create additional awareness and support research on a disease that has affected so many lives is something that our team takes great pride in,” Massachusetts Maritime Head Coach Chris Ratches says of her team’s participation in the Dig Pink program.  “The volleyball community has been extremely active in this cause for many years, and Massachusetts Maritime is proud to be a part of this program.”

The Buccaneers will have three home matches during the month of October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Massachusetts Maritime will host Maine-Presque Isle and WPI in a tri-match on Saturday, October 1^st beginning at 11:00 a.m. EDT, and the Buccaneers will also host single matches on Tuesday, October 18^th against Salem State and on Thursday, October 27^th against Lesley, as both of those contests begin at 7:00 p.m. EDT.

The Side-Out Foundation (Side-Out) was established in 2004 to unite volleyball players and coaches and to have them work toward the common goal of furthering breast cancer awareness, education and patient services. Side-Out supports teams nationwide in their volleyball tournaments, clinics and other fundraising efforts. The foundation offers practical support for fundraising in addition to educational material for participants in order to help them become effective advocates for breast cancer.

The term “side-out” refers to a situation in volleyball when one team wins a point while its opponent is serving, thereby regaining serve or control of play. It is hoped that this Side-Out will do the same for breast cancer patients, providing them with the support, education and best available treatments to regain control of their lives.

For more information on The Side-Out Foundation, visit www.side-out.org.