The Franciscan University volleyball team hosted a successful Dig Pink Rally this past season and was once again honored by the Sideout Foundation for its fundraising efforts. During the 2017 Dig Pink Rally, the Lady Barons raised $2,624.80, surpassing last year's total by almost $400.

The Lady Barons have raised $7,628 over the last five years for the Side-Out Foundation. 

"Franciscan Volleyball has raised thousands of dollars to help in the fight against cancer not only through our partnership with the Sideout Foundation but we have also been able to help people right here in the Ohio Valley," remarked Head coach Kelly Herrmann. "Part of the money we raise goes directly to the TEAR Fund at the Teramana Cancer Center."

The Side-Out Foundation's mission is to inspire science and hope in the match against breast cancer. Stage 4 breast cancer is the most advanced form of the disease yet the least funded area of research. With the help of the donations of fundraisers like Franciscan's, the foundation is supporting the development of treatments that are giving stage 4 breast cancer patients more quality time with their families.

With the help of local businesses like Graphics in Print and Franciscan University Student Government who have sponsored this event from its inception in 2007, Franciscan Volleyball has earned Philanthropic Awards from the Side Out Foundation in both 2016 and 2017.  

"This fall we are hoping to do more by partnering with the Chamber of Commerce and inviting local businesses to get involved to help us reach our $10,000 goal!" remarked Coach Herrmann.

Coach Herrmann has announced the 2018 Dig Pink Rally will be held on September 8 and will feature both collegiate and high school matches once again. The schedule for the day will be: 

Noon

Franciscan vs. Oberlin  
La Roche vs. Geneva

2:00 pm

Franciscan vs. Geneva
La Roche vs. Oberlin

4:00 pm

SHS vs Edison
BROOK vs. Beaver Local

"We are also hoping to schedule two more high school matches at 6:00 pm to fill our schedule.  Any local coaches who are interested in being a part of our Dig Pink Day can email me to find out more!" said Coach Herrmann. She can be reached at kherrmann@franciscan.edu