AMES – As a part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Iowa State Cyclones women’s volleyball team’s matchup against the Arizona Wildcats was the annual Dig Pink and Pink Out match.

Fans were encouraged to wear pink to the match, and 2,276 fans showed up on theme. Breast Cancer survivors and those currently battling cancer were offered free tickets to the match. 

The athletics department also scattered pink pom-poms around Hilton Coliseum. 

Iowa State head coach Christy Johnson-Lynch said it was essential to bring back individuals who have had a significant impact on the program throughout her 21 years at the helm.

“What a great night,” Johnson-Lynch said. “We really wanted to bring back some people that we felt had touched our program. It was so great to get that involvement. I was so happy to see Tina [Greiman], Abby’s [Greiman] mom and Hannah Willms, who played for us quite a while ago. We also got some videos from Rachel Hockaday, which were really cool.”

During breaks in the action, the video board showcased a series of features, including one highlighting alumna Tina Greiman, former Cyclone volleyball player and track and field star Hannah (Willms) Topalovic and former volleyball player and Iowa State alumna Rachel (Hockaday) Peterson.

“It’s awesome to see so much support from so many people because cancer touches all of us in some way, shape or form,” Greiman said. “To see all of the support tonight is really touching as a survivor.”

Greiman and Topalovic received an ovation from the crowd on the court during a timeout. The Mary Greeley Medical Center also displayed a short video encouraging women to detect the signs of Breast Cancer. 

Members of the Mary Greeley team teamed up with members of Cyclone Alley to assist in the match’s t-shirt toss. 

The team rallied with the crowd to not only support the larger cause but also to sweep the Arizona Wildcats for their first sweep at home this season.

“It really shows us, like, how to keep pushing,” senior setter Morgan Brandt said.