For the third consecutive year, Augustana College hosted their "Dig Pink" night, where supporters rallied against breast cancer and honored survivors, while raising $2,500 for breast cancer research.

"One in every eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer,"  assistant volleyball coach Kasey Loeslie, said. "You don't need to look hard to find someone who has it. This event is neat; it provides a way for student-athletes to raise funds and awareness."

Augustana volleyball teamed-up with the national organization Side-Out, the creators of "Dig Pink," to make a difference in the lives of breast cancer patients.

 "Volleyball enthusiasts created the event: a passion for volleyball, with awareness," Loeslie said.

"It's a really cool tradition," sophomore Brooke Lewko said. "It's great to have the opportunity to play for the survivors, and everybody out there."

The response to Augustana "Dig Pink" is powerful. 

"Over the last two years, Augustana volleyball players have raised nearly $4,000 to support Side-Out's efforts," reported Augustana College's home website. "The team had a goal to contribute $1,500 more in 2010."

That goal was surpassed by $1,000 due in part to an increase in t-shirt sales from last year.

Rosie the Riveter themed shirts were sold for $10, declaring the phrase "We Can Cure It! Augustana Dig Pink." For every T-shirt sold, $7 donations were made to Side-Out.

In addition, spectators were given an option to "Sponsor A Dig."  Side-Out received a donation for each dig Augustana tallied.

This year's "Dig Pink" night made an even deeper impression on the hearts of the community, as 17 women who battled and survived breast cancer joined the team in a pre-game ceremony.

The night ended in a fifth-game loss to Northern State, but the result was overshadowed by the success of the event.

 "It's an honor to play for the survivors, to raise funds for research to fight breast cancer," Lewko said.

To learn more about Side Out, visit side-out.org.