The annual Play4Kay Pink Game was held on Feb. 2 in Trask Coliseum as UNCW’s Seahawks defeated the Stony Brook Seawolves 65-57. The pregame ceremony acknowledged cancer survivors to bring awareness to cancers specifically affecting women.
Play4Kay is a foundation that aims to honor Coach Kay Yow, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987. Yow remained an advocate and inspiration to those affected by cancer until her passing in 2009. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was founded in her name, and over 1,000 schools participate in Play4Kay yearly. Any school can host a Play4Kay game by raising money for the Kay Yow Cancer Fund during a designated game. UNCW participates along with their conference, the Coastal Athletic Association.
UNCW honored cancer survivors and those affected by cancer during a pregame ceremony inviting those on the court. As the survivors walked onto the court, the Seahawks announcer said, “We recognize the courage and strength of our cancer survivors in attendance whose resilience and strength inspires us all.” The ceremony also included a moment of silence, during which fans held up signs of loved ones who “they were playing for,” before the singing of the national anthem. UNCW Athletics also handed out free pink t-shirts to the first 120 fans who arrived at the game. Seahawk players donned pink warmup shirts while Stony Brook opted to wear pink uniforms.
Once the game began, it was up to the defense. The Seawolves lead the first quarter after keeping the Seahawks defense on guard, leading 8-13. However, the Seahawks controlled in the second, leading to a dominant offensive push throughout the rest of the game. UNCW’s Ali Zelaya (0) led the team with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Zelaya was also effective at drawing fouls on defense. Zelaya’s well-rounded game earned her Player of the Game, as posted on Instagram.
The game remained close until the third quarter. UNCW’s Kate Hollifield (3) opened the scoring for the Seahawks with a 3-pointer less than a minute into the quarter. After only being up by 7 points at halftime, UNCW pulled ahead, ending the third quarter up 52-33. The game once again became close in the final minutes of the third as Stony Brook players got more physical. Stony Brook’s Zaida Gonzalez (2) led the game with 27 points and Lauren Filien (23), who was tasked with defending Zelaya, played a fast game ending the afternoon with ten rebounds and 4 personal fouls.
UNCW’s Women’s Basketball team took to social media after the win with the hashtag #OurBeachIsBetter, celebrating the win both on and off the court as Stoney Brook returned to New York. Follow @uncw_wbb on Instagram to stay updated on the Seahawks future games.
Stats Provided by ESPN
For more information on the Kay Vow Cancer Fund, click here
