SPARTANBURG, S.C. – With October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, the USC Upstate volleyball team and the Upstate Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) announce the team's Spike-Out Cancer event set for Saturday, Oct. 8 when the Spartans host Jacksonville at 3 p.m.

Upstate has partnered with the Gibbs Cancer Center at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center as the recipient of all of the athletic department's cancer awareness fundraising efforts. The Spartans encourage fans to paint the Hodge Center pink by dressing in pink to show support for the breast cancer awareness initiatives.

"Fighting back against cancer has touched many of our families and friends and I love that we can spotlight a match to raise money for the Gibbs Center here in our own community," said Upstate head coach Jennifer Calloway. "This event is dear to my heart and many of our players' hearts. When life happens, how are you going to react? This is our way of reacting. We ask you to step up and take the time to reach out to each other in this initiative by participating in Spike-Out Cancer!"

Prior to Upstate's 3 p.m. match against the Dolphins, there will be a Spike-Out Cancer tailgate in the Hodge Center parking lot beginning at 1 p.m. Tailgate festivities will include a bake sale hosted by Zeta Tau Alpha and a cornhole tournament. ZTA sisters will also be on hand to distribute pink ribbons to those in attendance.

Inside the Hodge Center, volleyball t-shirts with the pink Spartan logo will be on sale for $8. Donation buckets will available at the entrances and will be passed throughout the stands during the match. A Gibbs Center guest speaker will address the crowd in between the second and third sets. Proceeds from the t-shirt and bake sales along with all donations will benefit the Gibbs Cancer Center. Fans are encouraged to pick up a bright pink drink koozie when leaving a donation.

Please come help paint the Hodge pink for Spike-Out Cancer Oct. 8 as Upstate hosts Jacksonville. Follow the Spartans this season on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.