HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The Marshall University women’s soccer team will be hosting its inaugural Breast Cancer Awareness weekend against Conference USA rivals, Southern Methodist University and the University of Tulsa this weekend. The Thundering Herd will be promoting the awareness of this devastating disease through its Kicks Against Breast Cancer auction.

“This cause means a lot to my family because my grandmother, mother and aunt all have been affected,” junior Meghan Wetzel (Aiken, S.C.) said. “My mother has been in remission for two years now, my grandmother is currently fighting, but we lost my aunt to the disease. I am so happy the team will be supporting this cause.”

The auction includes pink jerseys the players will be wearing during Friday and Sunday’s contests. The auction will run until Wednesday, Oct. 15, at midnight. For more information about the auction and to place a bid, visit the women’s soccer page at herdzone.com.

The Herd will also be selling Breast Cancer Awareness shirts and hats at both matches as well as on-line. All proceeds earned from the auction and products will be donated to the Breast Center at the St. Mary’s Hospital in Huntington.

Breast Cancer key chains and t-shirts will be randomly distributed throughout the weekend matches against the Mustangs and Golden Hurricane.

“We are really excited to help this important cause,” senior co-caption Erin Johnson (Mansfield, Ohio) said. “This is our first year doing this but we are excited for it to continue.”

Thanks to Bob Clyse GMC Dealership of Ironton, Ohio, a brand new 2009 Pontiac Vibe will be available to be won during the halftime competition at Marshall’s upcoming four-match home stand. To win, your name must be entered in the drawing and if called, you win the chance to kick a ball through a target and drive away with a brand new vehicle.

The chance to win will be during halftime against SMU and Tulsa this weekend. Then the Herd will be home against UTEP, Friday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 19 to finish the contest. Even if a contestant wins at any point, another Vibe will be available in all four matches.

“With the Kicks Against Breast Cancer events of the weekend, the team hopes the events will further progress research and funding for a cure to a disease that affects so many,” Marshall’s Interim Head Coach Kevin Long added.