ALFRED, NY – The Alfred University softball team not only hosted its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Games, but added an additional component to Friday that directly benefits a Keuka College softball player and her family when in need.
 
Between the softball team, the fans in the stands and Alfred University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), exactly $500 was raised in support of one of the Wolves' players and her family. "It was a great opportunity for the program to support Keuka in this time of need," Head Coach Luke Wesneski said. "Having all the girls work together to make today special really showed how much the softball community sticks together and supports each other."
 
Most of the money was not made by the 50/50 raffle ticket sales, but rather by the generosity of those who only wished to help. "Sport can bring us together for a greater good and I am enormously proud of our coaching staff, team and community for their compassion and financial support of this family battling a challenging situation," Interim Assistant Vice President for Athletics & Recreation, Deb Steward said.
 
In between games, the winning ticket of the 50/50 raffle ticket, hosted by AU SAAC, was none other than Alfred University softball's Allison O'Toole (Simi Valley, CA/Simi Valley). O'Toole, was excitingly waiting for the winning ticket to be announced, right in front of the press box inside of the backstop. When realizing she had the winning ticket, she was seen jumping for joy and shouting, "I got it!" She then quickly turned around and yelled up, "Keep it!"
 
"It meant a lot to the team to be able to do something to help a fellow Empire 8 student-athlete today," O'Toole said. "We might be competitors on the field, but off the field when something happens in our softball community, that affects all of us. We are so grateful that we could do something to help Rylie, her family and her teammates. For me personally, my thoughts and prayers are with everyone at Kueka softball through this scary time. It's absolutely heartbreaking and I want Rylie to know she's not alone and that AUSB is by her side rooting for her."
 
If anyone wishes to support Wolves first-year player, from Bath, NY, Riley Hoad, they can contact the Keuka College Head Coach, Jamie Burke at jeburke@keuka.edu.