Release courtesy of Molloy University Sports Information

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Each year, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association holds its StrikeOut Cancer initiative aimed at supporting the fight against cancer nation wide. Molloy's softball team was recognized as the team that raised the most money in Division II for the 2024-25 season. 

The Lions held their StrikeOut Cancer Day in a doubleheader against Wilmington on March 30 with student-athletes, coaches, and staff members from both programs decorating signs that were displayed during a moment of silence dedicating the day to someone in their lives battling the disease. Molloy also welcomed Samantha Giacomantonio and her family to the doubleheader and had her throw out the first pitch in recognition of her battle against Stage 2 DIS and invasive breast cancer and celebrate her remission status. In total, Molloy softball raised over $850 that were donated to support the fight against breast cancer. 

"Taking part in the NFCA's StrikeOut Cancer initiative has always been a priority to our program and I am thrilled to have been the top fundraising team in Division II for such a worthy cause," said Head Coach Dayna Russo. "Seeing everyone's signs for who they were playing for was evidence of how important it is to do what we can to help search for a cure to cancer. On top of making our donation, it was even more meaningful to celebrate a local family's successful fight as part of our first pitch ceremony."