Softball does not end after the doubleheader Saturday – University athletes will join Relay For Life to hit home runs for cancer research.

“The spectators will have the opportunity to pledge an amount per home run hit by a specific athlete, or they can make a general donation,” said Lauren Fortner, a senior public relations major and Public Relations Director for the University Relay For Life.

After the 4 p.m. softball game vs. Mississippi State, University athletes will take the field, and with a team including football and basketball players, there surely will be at least one home run hit.

“There will be free posters and fun inflatables at the field, and admission is free,” Fortner, a Lawrenceville native, said.

Relay For Life will set up a booth where Derby attendees can buy T-shirts, make pledges and donations or just find out more about the cause.

“I’ve been involved with Relay For Life since high school and have continued participating throughout college,” said Fortner. “I Relay because so many of my friends and family have been affected by cancer. I Relay for a cure.”

Although raising as much money as possible for cancer research is a definite goal, Fortner said she believes there are other aspects of Relay For Life.

“It’s the celebration of survivorship and the support system that Relay For Life offers,” she said. “Relay has a ‘Survivor Lap’ that honors cancer survivors, and to me, that’s the most inspiring lap.”

“We hope to see a lot of donations,” said Fortner. “We are the number one collegiate Relay in the nation. We’re Dawgs, and we’re used to being first. Donations will keep us first.”

The Home Run Derby will have an assistant softball coach as the pitcher in a three-round game.

The game is a fight to the finish, with only two athletes – the top two home run hitters – battling it out for the championship in the third round.

If the actual Relay For Life walk falls on an inconvenient day, the Home Run Derby allows one more chance to participate in the cause.