Cumberland, MD – October 4–5, 2025
The Allegany College of Maryland Softball team came together this past weekend for their Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraising Weekend, combining athletic competition, community engagement, and heartfelt remembrance in support of the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
The weekend kicked off on Saturday, October 4, as the Trojans joined the Making Strides of Western Maryland Walk held on ACM's campus. Players, coaches, and families walked in solidarity with survivors, fighters, and those lost to breast cancer. For many, the walk was deeply personal—Assistant Coach Kayla Dodson shared a moving tribute to her late Aunt Peg, whose strength and resilience continue to inspire her. "We will keep fighting, together," Dodson said. "We will bring awareness and, one day, find a cure."
On Sunday, October 5, ACM hosted its first annual Breast Cancer Awareness Game, taking on West Virginia University's club team in a doubleheader at the ACM Softball Field. The team wore pink and played with purpose, dedicating the day to those affected by breast cancer.
Game 1: Lady Trojans Walk It Off in 8–7 Thriller
In the first game, the Lady Trojans delivered a dramatic walk-off win, edging WVU 8–7 in a back-and-forth battle. With the score tied in the bottom of the seventh, Breean Gay stepped up and delivered the game-winning single to center field, scoring the decisive run.
WVU jumped out early, scoring three in the first and adding solo runs in the second and third. ACM clawed back behind clutch hitting from Natalie Melby, who tied the game at five with a key single in the fifth.
After WVU regained the lead in the sixth, ACM responded in the bottom of the seventh. Lanie Iski, Melby, and Gay each drove in runs to seal the comeback.
Autumn Medina earned the win in relief, while Gay and Melby led the offense with two RBIs apiece. The Lady Trojans showed patience at the plate, drawing eight walks, with Briannah Lucas and Melby each earning two.
Game 2: Lady Trojans Lock Down 5–1 Victory
In the second game, ACM controlled the pace from the fifth inning on, securing a 5–1 win. Raley Nestor broke the scoreless tie with a two-RBI single in the fifth, and Gay followed in the sixth with an inside-the-park home run, driving in three more.
Kayla Hill earned the win, allowing just one run over three innings while striking out three. Brylee Bateson started the game strong, tossing three scoreless innings, and Medina closed it out for the save.
Hill also led the offense, going a perfect 3-for-3, while Gay added two hits and three RBIs to cap off a stellar day.
To raise additional funds, the Trojans organized a baked goods sale by donation and raffled off a beautifully crafted candy bouquet, generously donated by JB's Catering, co-owned by Assistant Coach Dodson's father, Brian, and stepmother, Janine. Raffle tickets were sold for $1 each or $5 for an arm's length, with all proceeds going directly to the American Cancer Society.
The weekend was not only a fundraising success but also a celebration of community.
"Together we fight," the team echoed throughout the weekend—on the field, in the stands, and in their hearts.
ACM Softball continues to fundraise throughout October, determined to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by breast cancer. ????
