MARSHALL, Texas – East Texas Baptist University’s softball program raised over $4,000 for cancer research as part of the Tigers’ annual "Strikeout Cancer” day at Taylor Field on April 14.

The Tigers, along with American Southwest Conference rival UT Tyler, together raised over $5,000 during the two teams’ doubleheader through donations, t-shirt sales and a silent auction. It was the second year in a row in which ETBU has hosted a "Strikeout Cancer” event, an initiative begun by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and the American Cancer Society to support the fight against cancer.

"It was a nice day for a great cause,” said ETBU head coach Janae Shirley. "I was pleased with the effort the girls put in to prepare for the event and then with the turnout and overall success. It was just a great thing to be a part of, again.”

ETBU wore new pink jerseys to commemorate the event. Former ETBU baseball player Brandon Bass, a survivor of testicular cancer, was on hand to throw the first pitch to former ETBU football player Cody Finch, whose mother, Dana, passed away last fall after a courageous fight against cancer.

Since starting the "Strikeout Cancer” program over 10 years ago, NFCA membership teams have raised tens of thousands of dollars to support the fight against cancer. In addition to fundraised dollars, the initiative has provided a platform to raise awareness for breast cancer as well as women’s cancer research.

For more information on how to contribute, contact Shirley at 903-923-2240.

-Courtesy East Texas Baptist University Sports Information Department