By Angie Ledbetter

The South Panola Lady Tiger fastpitch softball team will host the Second Annual Strike Out For Cancer Paint the Town Pink benefit for the American Cancer Society on March 6 and April 3 in games against the Grenada Lady Chargers.

The first game will be played at home on March 6 with the junior varsity starting at 5 p.m. followed by the varsity game. The next game will be at Grenada.

Strike Out Cancer represents the hope that the ones lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those who face cancer will be supported and that one day, cancer will be eliminated, according to Lady Tiger head coach Ashleigh Hicks.

Each player will wear pink jerseys and pink socks at the games to represent cancer.

Fans may choose any Lady Tiger player to cheer on and to help earn money by sponsoring them for the two games at $25.

The team will be creating a memory/honor wall for victims of cancer. One of the cornerstones of this important event is the luminaries ceremony where the candles will shine from paper bags decorated with messages in honor of those battling cancer and in memory of those who have lost their lives to cancer.

In between games, survivors will take a walk around the field to remember all who are fighting cancer and for the loved ones that have lost been lost along the way.

The public can purchase a luminaria in honor or memory of their loved ones for $6.

Hicks said she and Grenada head coach Lancaster came up with the idea after they had seen a fast pitch college game on television where they had the pink jerseys and realized what the team was doing.

“Coach Lancaster’s grandfather died from cancer and her grandmother survived,” Hicks said. “My grandmother survived also. We thought it would be real good for our teams to be a part of. It’s a great opportunity to create some awareness for our athletes, fans and our community and a way to give back.

“I’m big on trying to give back to the community as much as I can because we ask so much of them,” Hicks continued. “Last year was our first year to do it and as long as I am here, I want to continue to do it. The girls really enjoy doing it and we did good last year raising money.”

All proceeds from sponsoring a player along with the admission and concession money will be given to the American Cancer Society. The deadline to sponsor one or more players is January 22. For more information, contact any player or Hicks at 662-934-1133.