From ascssports.org , Richardson, Texas (September 29, 2011) –– All 14 American Southwest Conference volleyball teams have committed again to come together during the two cross division tournaments to help raise the awareness of breast cancer research through the Dig Pink campaign created by the Side-Out Foundation.

The ASC Dig Pink Crossover Challenge schedule features members of the West and East Division facing each other at different sites. This year, tourneys will be held on September 30-October 1 in Seguin, Texas (Texas Lutheran University) and Abilene, Texas (Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University). The second challenge is set for October 7-8 in Marshall, Texas (East Texas Baptist University) and Tyler, Texas (University of Texas at Tyler).

“Dig Pink is a campaign that many of our young ladies have been a part of for years at the club volleyball level,” said Hardin-Simmons head coach Sabrina Bingham, who also serves as chair of the ASC volleyball coaches. “So when these players become members of the ASC family, and see all of us within the same conference bonding together for one great cause, it becomes even more special for each of them.”

During each match at all tournaments, every player will be wearing a pink accessory incorporated into their uniform. In addition, all coaches, team managers, athletics trainers, officials and table staff members will be wearing a pink ribbon. The conference is also providing a Dig Pink prize pack at each site, which includes a four-pack of tickets to the 2011 ASC Volleyball Championship Tournament. The prize packs will go to the highest bidder from a silent auction at the completion of each tournament. Donations from fans will also be accepted.

All of the funds raised through gift pack silent auction bids and donations will be presented on behalf of the American Southwest Conference volleyball teams to The Side-Out Foundation. Over the last two years, the ASC has collectively raised more than $3,000.

“Dig Pink and The Side-Out Foundation have been able to utilize the resources of those involved with our sport to such a high degree to promote and raise funds for breast cancer research and patient care that it is hard to not be extremely excited about what we can do as a conference to help with this on-going effort towards finding a cure,” Bingham added.

The Side-Out Foundation is a non-profit, charitable organization formed in 2004 that has provided over $3,500,000 toward breast cancer research. Its name underscores the purpose of the organization, to regain control over the opponent. Likewise in the war against breast cancer, the foundation hopes to enable women and men affected with the disease to regain control of their lives and live it to the fullest.

NOTES: No complimentary admission pass lists will be accepted.

ASC DIG PINK CROSSOVER CHALLENGE I SCHEDULE

Hardin-Simmons University (Mabee Complex)
Friday, Sept. 30
Hardin-Simmons vs. Mississippi College, Noon
Howard Payne vs. East Texas Baptist, 2:30 p.m.
Hardin-Simmons vs. Centenary, 5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 1
Howard Payne vs. Mississippi College, 10 a.m.
Hardin-Simmons vs. East Texas Baptist, 12:30 p.m.
Howard Payne vs. Centenary, 3 p.m.

McMurry University (Kimbrell Arena)
Friday, Sept. 30
McMurry University vs. Centenary, Noon
Concordia-Texas vs. Mississippi College, 5:30 p.m.
McMurry University vs. East Texas Baptist, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 1
Concordia-Texas vs. Centenary, 10 a.m.
McMurry University vs. Mississippi College, 2 p.m.
Concordia-Texas vs. East Texas Baptist, 4:30 p.m.

Texas Lutheran University (Jones Physical Education Complex)
Friday, Sept. 30
Noon, Sul Ross State vs. LeTourneau, Noon
Texas Lutheran vs. Texas-Dallas, 2:30 p.m.
Schreiner vs. Texas-Tyler, 2:30 p.m.
Sul Ross State vs. Mary Hardin-Baylor, 5 p.m.
Texas Lutheran vs. Texas-Tyler, 7:30 p.m.
Schreiner vs. LeTourneau, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 1
Sul Ross State vs. Texas-Dallas, 10 a.m.
Schreiner vs. Mary Hardin-Baylor, 10 a.m.
Texas Lutheran vs. LeTourneau, 12:30 p.m.
Sul Ross State vs. Texas-Tyler, 3 p.m.
Sul Ross State vs. Texas-Tyler, 3 p.m.
Texas Lutheran vs. Mary Hardin-Baylor, 5:30 p.m.

About The Side-Out Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 2004.  Inspired by one mom and embraced by the entire sport of volleyball, the mission of The Side-Out Foundation is to educate young athletes and their communities about breast cancer, both with respect to prevention and treatment, and to fund cutting edge breast cancer research.  Side-Out is focused on changing the way breast cancer is treated forever.

The term side-out refers to a situation in volleyball when one team wins a point while its opponent is serving, thereby regaining serve or control of play.  It is hoped that Side-Out will do the same for breast cancer patients, providing them with the support, education and best available treatments to regain control of their lives.