DEFIANCE, Ohio – The Lady Jackets basketball team will host their most important game of the season on Saturday, February 6, when they take on the Transylvania Pioneers. The game, which will be held on senior day and feature two teams tied for second place in the HCAC, will support the Pink Zone initiative, in which thousands of schools across the country will contribute to the fight against women’s cancers.

The late Kay Yow, former North Carolina State head coach and Women’s Basketball Coaches Association president, was the catalyst for the initiative which began in 2007. Yow is one of the winningest coaches in NCAA history (737 wins), and served as an inspiration to fans and players across the country as she continued to coach at NC State throughout her 22-year bout with breast cancer.

“Cancer is something that touches everyone’s life and it is important to understand that we all can make a difference. Each of you can be a part of finding an answer. Join me today and let’s beat cancer once and for all,” said Yow.

Fans at the game will have an opportunity to make donations at the front entrance of the gym, and are encouraged to wear pink to show their support. The officials will also have a chance to support the cause by participating in the “Calling for the Cure” campaign, in which officials are encouraged to blow a pink whistle and are given a chance to donate money towards the fund.

In addition to the Pink Zone initiative, fans at the game will also have an opportunity to show their appreciation for DC’s lone graduating senior, Mandie White, for the four years of outstanding basketball she has contributed to the program.

 White was recently recognized for becoming just the 18th player in the history of the women’s basketball program to join the 1,000 career points club, and currently is ranked 17th all-time in scoring at Defiance. White is having an outstanding senior season. She leads the team in both points (15.0) and rebounds (8.6) per game, and has been selected as an HCAC Player-of-the-Week two times this season.

All donations contributed toward the Pink Zone initiative will be given to the Kay Yow/ WBCA Cancer Fund, which will support scientific research, assist the underserved and unify people for a common cause. For more information regarding Pink Zone, give them a call at (770) 279-8027, or visit them online at http://www.wbca.org/pinkzone.asp.

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