The Wheaton Women’s Basketball team held a fundraising event on Feb. 4 called “Play 4 Kay” to help raise awareness and funds for women’s cancer research. The Lyons lost to Springfield in their fundraising game but, according to their donations page, were able to raise almost $580 for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

Across the nation, sports teams participate in hosting “Play 4 Kay” games/events in order to help raise money for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. Wheaton Women’s Basketball did their part this year by hosting a home game against a conference rival, Springfield. According to team captains, the Lyons were able to raise $500 on their team website prior to the game. Additionally, team captain Sophia Black ’17 said, “[We] raised money by putting pink hair extensions in for our game with the help of Finally Lisa’s Hair Salon.”

Lyons’ captains said that this cause was one particularly meaningful to the team. Captain Bridget Nicholson ’17 said, “It is a good opportunity to support such a great and important cause.”

Other team captains also cited the fact that many cancer research programs are privately funded, as captain Opaul Morris ’18 said, “Research and clinical trials are an important part of [ending breast cancer] and a lot of researches are privately funded. They need more support in order to continue the fight to find a cure [for] breast cancer.”

The game itself resulted in a 68-52 loss to Springfield. Natalie Wind ’20 led the Lyons with 20 points, but in the end, Springfield’s offence was too much for Wheaton to handle.

The Lyon’s captains said that despite the loss, the crowd created an intense atmosphere for the game. “I think we already have enough motivation going into the game,” said team captain Emily Cuthberson ’18. “It’s a big NEWMAC home game at the end of the season so everyone is already pumped, but the crowd was definitely a big help.”

Donations to help Wheaton Women’s Basketball in their funding efforts can be submitted here.