Nov. 4, 2009

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- The UAB volleyball team's Dig for the Cure match last Friday night against UCF raised more than $4,000 for the North Central Alabama affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

The volleyball team accepted donations throughout the month of October as fans could give a pre-determined amount or pledge a certain amount per dig in the match. The Blazers, wearing pink uniforms in support of breast cancer awareness, racked up 69 total digs in the four-set contest with the Knights.

"We want to thank everyone who came out to the match and who donated," UAB head coach Kerry Messersmith said. "We know the money that was raised is going toward a good cause. We have a great appreciation for the kind of work Susan G. Komen for the Cure accomplishes, and we're glad to be able to make some kind of difference through the sport of volleyball."

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is one of the world's foremost organizations in raising money to find cures for breast cancer and to care for those living with the disease. Each year, collegiate volleyball teams around the nation participate in Dig for the Cure by hosting their own breast cancer awareness matches.

Last Friday's UAB match was the centerpiece for the Blazers' first Scare Away Cancer fall festival. In addition to the volleyball, the evening featured games and fun for the whole family on the Bartow Arena concourse.