By: Jennifer Blackwell, Elon Media Relations

ELON, N.C. - All 12 Southern Conference volleyball teams will be participating in the 2009 Dig Pink campaign, which creates awareness and raises money for the prevention of breast cancer. Appalachian State, Chattanooga, College of Charleston, Davidson, Elon, Furman, Georgia Southern, Samford, The Citadel, UNC Greensboro, Western Carolina and Wofford will join over 550 colleges and high schools for the cause this year. Led by Davidson with $5,400, SoCon schools raised $18,750.22 last season.

"I think it is fantastic that we are working together with all of the other SoCon programs. While we compete against each other each weekend, I think it's great that we are all working together for this cause," Appalachian State head coach Matt Ginipro said. "We were proud of what we were able to raise last year and have set the bar higher so that we can help find a cure. Breast cancer has directly affected the Appalachian State volleyball program recently and we are excited to do our part in fighting this disease for a second year."

Fans can help support the 2009 Dig Pink campaign by making a one-time donation for any of the 12 SoCon teams. To help support a school, please contact that institution's athletic department.

The Citadel kicks off the SoCon Dig for the Cure schedule on Oct. 2 when it hosts Wofford. On October 13, Georgia Southern will host Davidson, before Furman welcomes Wofford on October 14. Elon and UNC Greensboro will use matches against Georgia Southern and Davidson on October 17 for their Dig Pink event. On October 18, Samford will host the College of Charleston. Two schools, College of Charleston and Wofford, will use October 24 as their Dig Pink date as they host UNC Greensboro and Samford, respectively. Chattanooga will host Kennesaw State on October 28 before Western Carolina and Appalachian State close out the SoCon Dig Pink dates on October 31 with matches against The Citadel and the College of Charleston. Davidson will also be participating in the campaign, but has not set a date.

For more information on the Dig Pink and the Side-Out Foundation, please visit www.side-out.org.

Schedule of SoCon Dig for the Cure Dates

Appalachian State - October 31 vs. College of Charleston
Chattanooga - October 28 vs. Kennesaw State
College of Charleston - October 24 vs. UNC Greensboro
Davidson - TBD
Elon - October 17 vs. Georgia Southern
Furman - October 14 vs. Wofford
Georgia Southern - October 13 vs. Davidson
Samford - October 18 vs. College of Charleston
The Citadel - October 2 vs. Wofford
UNC Greensboro - October 17 vs. Davidson
Western Carolina - October 31 vs. The Citadel
Wofford - October 24 vs. Samford