Saturday, Oct. 21 marked an important series of games for Lawrence athletics, as several sports teams teamed up to raise awareness of breast cancer in honor of Pink Month. The Banta Bowl and Alexander Gymnasium showed support through pink attire, fundraisers, decorations and specialized announcements towards those who battled or are currently battling the disease. We in the sports section journeyed across campus to learn more about these events, participate in our own sports and hear from athletes about the importance of the event.
Football kicked off the Day of Pink with a match-off against Illinois College. After a tough second quarter with IC rallying ahead, the Vikings were able to slow the Blueboys’ pace in the second half. Junior Logan Olson caught six passes for 47 yards while junior Alex Lippert had five catches for 72 yards. The game’s passing leaders were sophomore Aidan Williams and first year Joe Gardner, with rushing leaders junior Pat Thompson and first year Parker Wittmayar. Junior Alex Lippert claimed the title of receiving leader for the game and first year Kolbe Gelvin stacked on top as the defense leader.
The Lawrence University women’s volleyball team took on the Scots of Monmouth College in a match for Breast Cancer Awareness. All week, the team sold bracelets for two dollars each to raise money for Breast Cancer research. While the team was unable to put away a win, several of the Lady Vikes put on a strong performance. Defensively, sophomore Bailey Nez had a team best of 14 digs, followed by junior Taylor Hughes who added another 10. Senior Dana Mestey was close behind with nine digs and contributed 11 assists. Junior Aliana Butler-Gray led the team offensively with six kills and two blocks.
LU women’s soccer dominated for all 90 minutes of their shutout Saturday match against Knox College. Six different Lawrence players contributed to the team’s 6-0 victory: Hannah Kalt and Madi Jones each had a goal and an assist; the other goal-scorers were Natalie Linebarger, Hanna Knudsen, Cambrie Rickard and Emma Vasconez. Saturday’s victory also saw the team clinch a playoff spot.
Men’s soccer tied 1-1 with Knox College to conclude Pink Day for Lawrence, thanks to a second half goal from junior captain Zach Dale. After a fantastic pass from junior Rodrigo Angulo, Dale scored on a header as the clock struck 70:53. Junior goalie Ethan Uribe kept the nailbiter alive with eight saves by the game’s end, outpacing the Knox goalie eight to three.
Quotes from student-athletes about Pink Day
“It’s so important that we raise awareness to this experience that so many women go through, and raise awareness that this can impact anyone. Wearing pink while playing the sport that I love, I’m representing the women in my family who have bravely fought. I’m proud to do it and represent.”
—Cora Linos, Junior, Volleyball
“Having the pink game was important because it was for a good cause and to raise awareness for breast cancer. Wearing pink socks during the game, we were able to show our support for those who have been affected by breast cancer, and we also got a solid result from the game, which was deserving.”
—Zach Dale, Junior, Men’s Soccer
“To play in a Dig Pink game is to play for something far bigger than yourself. We deck ourselves out in pink to honor the strong women who battle or have battled breast cancer. I do everything in my power to play for my mom, to truly celebrate her long-lasting legacy as a mother, teacher, coach and friend. We are all #Pfannerstrong.”
—Kali Pfannerstill, Senior, Volleyball
“Raising awareness and support to help those who have fought and help try to find a cure is so important to me. It’s amazing to see the smiles on people’s faces that appreciate our support. I know my grandma was smiling down on us.”
—Mikala Seymour, Sophomore, Volleyball
“This was a really special moment for me and the girls…I have had quite a few family members who have survived breast cancer, and I know many wonderful people that did not, so once all the hugging and cheering was done, I felt like a solemn nod to the Play For the Cure community was most definitely due. To me, the chance to participate in a Play For the Cure game is a wonderful opportunity to promote solidarity. It’s a cause that should bring people together…and that solidarity that I felt this year with my teammates, Knox College women’s soccer and even the #Pfannerstrong movement with the women’s volleyball team was quite special.”
—Hanna Knudsen, Senior, Women’s Soccer