Women 'Cats seek to score against cancer

The Northwest Missouri State women's basketball team will continue its annual campaign to raise awareness about the fight against breast cancer while hosting the Missouri Western Griffons Feb. 20 in the Pink Zone Game. 

The game is part of the national Pink Zone initiative organized by the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association. Tipoff against the Griffons is set for 5:30 p.m. at Bearcat Arena.

Head coach Mark Kellogg and the Bearcats are focusing this year's efforts on two local families who are battling cancer, the Mannasmiths and the Jacobsens. Both families have strong ties to the university.

Activities planned for game day include a silent auction featuring autographed Bearcats memorabilia. The auction will begin at 4:30 p.m., and bidding will close at halftime of the men’s game.

All proceeds will go to the Mannasmiths and Jacobsens to help them pay medical costs and other expenses related to treatment.

Fans are encouraged to wear pink, and Pink Zone shirts will be available for purchase for $15 at Bearcats games scheduled for Feb. 13 and Feb. 16. The same shirts will be worn by both the men’s and women’s teams during pre-game warm-ups against the Griffons.  

The Bearcat women will also wear limited edition pink uniforms during the game on the 20th. Fans can order identical jerseys from assistant coach Kristen Mattio at mattiok@nwmissouri.edu. Jock’s Nitch, a Maryville sporting goods store, has partnered with the Bearcats to provide the uniforms and Pink Zone shooting shirts.

The Bearcats are inviting all breast cancer survivors and those currently fighting the disease to attend the Feb. 20 games free of charge. Those wishing to attend, or in need of additional information, should email graduate assistant Gentry Dietz at gentrydietz33@gmail.com.