INDIANAPOLIS – For the third consecutive year, the NCAA is teaming with the American Cancer Society and the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) to support the “StrikeOut Cancer” initiative. The StrikeOut Cancer Night will take place on Monday, June 6, during Game 1 of the Championship Series of the 2011 NCAA Women’s College World Series at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, Okla. 

As part of the initiative, the NCAA will donate one dollar for every ticket sold that evening, with the proceeds directed to the Oklahoma Region of the American Cancer Society. The ceremonial first pitch will be thrown by Abby Burns, a softball student-athlete from the Texas Woman’s University who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia. Laura Berg, a Los Angeles Police Officer and four-time softball All-American and national champion on the 1998 Fresno State team, as well as softball’s only four-time Olympian, will catch the first pitch. 

Additional activities include a cancer survivors celebration walk in the outfield during the third-inning, led by softball Olympians and NCAA Divisions I, II and III NFCA Hall of Fame Coaches; an on-field presentation by the NCAA and former softball Olympian Dr. Dot Richardson to the Oklahoma Region of the American Cancer Society during the fourth-inning; and Howie Jackson, a cancer survivor and local Hero of Hope for Western Oklahoma, leading the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the fifth-inning of the game.

“Lending support to the Oklahoma Region of the American Cancer Society has become an integral part of the NCAA Women’s College World Series, and we are proud to continue this relationship,” said Sharon Cessna, NCAA director of championships. 

“We are proud to partner with the NCAA on the StrikeOut Cancer Night,” said Lesa Foster, regional vice president for the American Cancer Society. “Through this initiative, supporters in our community are able to help the Society create a world with less cancer and more birthdays by helping people stay well, get well, finding cures and fighting back.” 

Spectators attending the game are encouraged to wear pink in support of “StrikeOut Cancer.” The game will be televised live on ESPN2 HD at 8 p.m. Eastern.