Bulldogs bring awareness to cancer

   MONONA — MFL MarMac’s baseball and softball teams brought special awareness to the devastation of cancer while giving special attention to a pair of local families who lost loved ones earlier this year.

   The softball team’s ceremony prior to their game against Decorah featured Andy Jones throwing out the first pitch to his neice Kyleigh Picha while other members of the team stood behind him in support. Jones’ wife Shannon lost her battle with lung cancer June 6. Members of the team, including coaches, wore light blue jerseys with the Strike Out Cancer logo on the front.

   The Bulldog baseball team wore pink shirts for their game that night against Postville. It honored the family of Beth Abel, who lost her battle with tongue cancer in April 4. Her son Brayson threw out the first pitch to junior Trevor Jones, a family friend, and was presented a baseball signed by members of the varsity baseball team, who gathered with him for a picture after his throw. The team also observed a moment of silence prior to the first pitch.

   The Bulldog baseball team topped Postville 8-1 to ensure themselves of finishing with a winning record for the first time in more than 11 years while the softball team fell to Decorah.