The Clinton County Volley Dawgs hosted its annual Pink Out night for cancer and the local Relay for Life.

Head Coach Pam Ostertag said it is more than just a volleyball game to her and her team, its a way to give back to the community and to recognize those who have fought and survived the battle against cancer.

The color pink represents breast cancer and by having a Pink Out night during a volleyball game, the team can raise funds for the Relay for Life in order to provide donations to the American Cancer Society.

“We had the recognition of the survivors, a silent auction, and a serving contest for the fans,” Ostertag said. “People in the audience were able to win prizes.”

The Lady Volley Dawgs hosted Barren County Thursday night, September 25, but lost the match in three games, 19-25, 25-21 and 25-18, bringing its record to 10-9 on the year.

Even though the Pink Out match was held in September, October is designated as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Clinton County’s season is nearly at the end by the time October rolls around and the Volley Dawgs are usually preparing for post season play, so, Clinton County hosts a Pink Out night early in order to fit it into the season.

“Our girls are always excited about Pink Out night,” Ostertag said. “It’s an honor … It’s an honor to be able to raise money for such a good cause.”

According to Spokesperson for the Albany Chapter of the Relay for Life Trisha Miller, Clinton County raised $544.59 to go to the American Cancer Society.

Miller spoke to the crowd inbetween the junior varsity and varsity game as a representative for the Relay for Life.

“One time a year we try to raise as much money as we can to help fight and find a cure for cancer,” Miller said. Miller said there are a lot of new people getting diagnosed with cancer every day and many of them don’t even contact the American Cancer Society.

“That’s what we are trying to do, we are trying to provide awareness, so when someone is diagnosed, they can call and get the help they need,” Miller said. “We have provided gas cards for back and forth transportation to treatments and lodging. Just last year, Clinton County provided services to 160 people. That’s pretty good to be able to provide those services.”

Miller said the American Cancer Society has what is called the Hope Lodge where cancer patients are able to stay for free during treatments.

“It’s all paid for and that’s another service,” Miller said.

The Relay for Life events will take place on Saturday this year, which is somewhat different than in year’s past. Miller said the event will begin around 3 p.m. Saturday, April 25, 2015.

“We are actually doing something different. At three o’clock in the afternoon we are going to start a carnival,” Miller said. “It’s going to be outside and inside this year, so we are really hoping to amp up and get people to come out.”

The Clinton County Relay For Life’s next meeting will be at the Early Childhood Center cafeteria at 5:30 on Monday, October 6.

“It’s open to everybody,” Miller said. “We want everyone to come and participate. Cancer affects almost everyone, so what are you going to do to fight this terrible word that we don’t want our future generations to know? Please get involved with the Relay for Life in your community.”

Also on hand for Thursday night’s contest was several members of the Clinton County High School Band, as well as the Alumni Band and the Clinton County High School Cheerleaders.

Cancer survivors who were on hand included: Francis Parrigin, Ruth Dryden, Jennifer Harlan, Amy Gibson and Owsley Costlow from Barren County.

Clinton County’s Jordan Grant and Jana Mullins went up for a block against Barren County Tuesday during the Volley Dawgs’ Pink Out game. Clinton County lost the match in three games.

C.C.H.S. Principal Sheldon Harlan was on hand Thursday night to place a bid during the silent auction. Items were donated to raise money for the Relay for Life.

Several cancer survivors from Clinton County and one from Barren County were on hand Thursday night during Pink Out night. Below, Spokesperson for Albany/Clinton County Relay for Life Chapter Trisha Miller spoke in front of a sea of pink at Thursday night’s volleyball game.