RICHARDSON, Texas –– With the help of its volleyball fans, the 14 American Southwest Conference volleyball programs combined to raise a record $3,235.00 for the Side-Out Foundation to help raise awareness of breast cancer research during its annual Dig Pink Crossover Challenge weekends.

“I am thrilled with the record-breaking generosity of the ASC volleyball fans in this season’s Dig Pink Challenge activities,” ASC Commissioner Amy Carlton said. “The funds raised by the ASC will help in research efforts aimed at battling breast cancer.”

The ASC Dig Pink Crossover Challenges were held September 30-October 1 in Seguin, Texas (Texas Lutheran University) and Abilene, Texas (Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University); and October 7-8 in Marshall, Texas (East Texas Baptist University) and Tyler, Texas (University of Texas at Tyler).

During each match, every player wore a pink accessory incorporated into their uniform. In addition, all coaches, team managers, athletics trainers, officials and table staff members sported a pink ribbon. Donations were accepted by fans and Dig Pink prize packs, including tickets to the 2011 ASC Volleyball Championship Tournament, were auctioned off for the cause.

“It was awesome that we as student-athletes could come together and not just play the sport we love, but play it for others that are fighting breast cancer,” said Texas Lutheran sophomore setter Manda Martin, whose squad hosted a crossover that raised a league-high $1,288.00. “I have a grandmother and aunt that were recently diagnosed (with breast cancer), so dedicating those matches to them was really special.”

In three years, the ASC has collectively raised more than $6,000 for the Side-Out Foundation. The conference’s volleyball teams include Centenary, Concordia Texas, East Texas Baptist, Hardin-Simmons, Howard Payne, LeTourneau, Mary Hardin-Baylor, McMurry, Mississippi College, Schreiner, Sul Ross State, Texas-Dallas, Texas-Tyler and Texas Lutheran.

The Side-Out Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization formed in 2004 that has provided over $3,500,000 toward breast cancer research. Its name underscores the purpose of the organization, to regain control over the opponent. Likewise in the war against breast cancer, the foundation hopes to enable women and men affected with the disease and regain control of their lives and live it to the fullest.

Side-Out Foundation and Dig Pink information may be accessed online at www.side-out.org.