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 remaining home matches at the Clean Harbors Athletic Center over the next five days, as all proceeds from donations and sales of special “Dig Pink” items 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 jerseys 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 begin their homestand tomorrow afternoon (October 19^th) by hosting Westfield State and Pine Manor in a tri-match that begins at 3:00 p.m. EDT.  Massachusetts Maritime will also host Becker on Monday, October 21^st and Salem State on Wednesday, October 23^rd at the Clean Harbors Athletic Center, with both of those contests set to 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 Dig Pink and the Side Out Foundation, please visit www.side-out.org.