BY: WILL NUNN, SPORTS ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
PHOTO: @BonniesWBB / X
The St. Bonaventure women’s basketball team fell 58-49 at the hands of the George Washington Revolutionaries Saturday, marking their ninth consecutive defeat.
Despite the loss, the Bonnies rallied together with the local community for a greater cause: the annual pink game, which raised money and garnered awareness for those affected by breast cancer.
All proceeds from themed t-shirts and raffle tickets sold at the game went directly to local cancer care and research in the Bonaventure community.
Bonaventure head coach Jim Crowley acknowledged the impact of the game, not only for his program but for the community as a whole.
“We’ve always wanted to make sure we’re serving our community because they give so much to us,” said Crowley.
In the midst of a challenging season, Crowley said he does not want the influence that his team has on their community to be lost on his players.
“What we do sometimes is obviously difficult but it’s nothing compared to the battles that individuals and families have to go through with cancer,” Crowley said. “For us to support that and for us to be aware of that is a really important thing.”
The Bonnies players said they’re aware of the importance of their fundraising, with many of them supporting friends and loved ones who have battled cancer.
“This game is super important to me because I have a couple of people who not only struggle with breast cancer but other forms of cancer who I am playing for,” said freshman guard Mackenzie Pettinelli. “It is also good to raise money and awareness for this cause.”
The special pink uniform that was worn by the Bonnies on Saturday displayed their commitment to the cause and honored those who are fighting their own battles.
“I want there to be more awareness and money raised for cancer so that it can soon be cured,” said freshman guard Zoe Shaw. “By wearing the pink uniform, I am supporting everyone I know who has battled cancer.”
The team said they are proud to be able to play a small part in such an important cause, and be able to give back to those who are fighting cancer all around the world.
“Cancer touches everybody,” said Crowley. “So, the fact that we can acknowledge that and help a little bit with that, we are very fortunate.”
