SAN FRANCISCO – In doing our part to raise awareness and fundraise for women's cancer research, the University of San Francisco women's basketball program is hosting a Play4Kay game on Saturday, Jan. 27 against Gonzaga.

USF women's basketball annually hosts a think pink game and this year we are dedicated to supporting the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. From the Kay Yow Cancer Fund website (kayyow.com):

"Coach Kay Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987. She passed away in 2009, after a 22-year, on-again, off-again battle with the disease. Coach Yow fought that battle in the public arena. Her hope was to inspire others to make a difference in a fight that impacts each and every one of us. As head coach of the North Carolina State University women's basketball team and past president and founding member of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA), her voice became a galvanizing force within the sport of women's basketball. The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on Dec. 3, 2007, fulfilling Yow's vision to support advanced research, extend the quality of life for those battling cancer, and provide hope."

The Play4Kay game will be highlighted by the announcement of the Play4Kay National Free Throw Challenge, beginning in February and running through the entirety of the month. Sponsored by John & Sue Gibbs, Play4Kay National Free Throw Challenge raises money by having fans and patrons pledge to donate for every free throw that is made by their team. Donators can then follow along on the National Leader Board to see how their team's donations stack up against other teams across the country.

"I think having a Play4Kay game is an important way to highlight the organization's mission which is to raise funds for research aimed to cure and combat women's cancers. I also think it's an important event to honor the legacy of the pioneering coach Kay Yow," said head coach Molly Goodenbour. "Through her Play4Kay Foundation, she continues to be a source of strength, encouragement, and hope for new generations of women."

Although the challenge begins in February, please visit the USF women's basketball PledgeIt.org page to pledge now! Follow along on the women's basketball twitter to track how many free throws the Dons are making throughout the month of February. Use the hashtags #FT4Kay and #Dons4Kay to join the conversation and let us know you're donating! 

In addition to honoring Kay Yow and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, the women's basketball program is partnering with the HERS Foundation – a Bay Area group that provides quality products and emotional support for women healing from breast cancer.  

Wear pink for a free ticket! USF will be giving away 100 free pink t-shirts to the first fans to arrive so be sure to head to War Memorial at the Sobrato Center early!  

Tickets are a discounted $1/$10 baseline and courtside to celebrate Anna Seilund's entry into the 1,000-point club. This game is part of the 3-for-1 ticket package – buy a ticket to the Gonzaga contest, receive a free ticket to both Saint Mary's (Feb. 1) and Santa Clara (Feb. 3).