On May 7, 2014, defending state champion Waterford softball met Stonington at their home field and beat them in a 1-0 thriller. Junior Tori Vancleave threw a complete game shutout, and senior Elaina Sullivan scored the games only run off a triple by senior Megan Elphick.

The day, however, was not about the game. Dubbed the “Play 4 the Cure”, the players donned all pink and played their hearts out in memory of those who struggle or have struggled with breast cancer. Prior to the game, all Waterford players sold pink paper softballs to raise money for the cause.

Waterford’s team this year features a crop of young talent, all of whom are excited to take part in future awareness games.

Sophomore Sara Buscetto played in the game and was only able to describe it as “special.” She added that, “it was for an amazing cause and Stonington was awesome to work with. Everyone has known someone whose life has been impacted by cancer, and it was just nice to know we were helping them.”

Sophomore Karena Bushey said, “I felt like it was such a special game because you’re playing for someone who fought, is still fighting, or put up a good fight with cancer. I think it just made the game so memorable because you’re not just playing, you’re playing for a cause.”

The game, now several years old, is a yearly occurrence thanks, in part, to Waterford Coach Liz Sutman. Her niece has been dealing with a rare and deadly bone cancer, known as osteosarcoma. Diagnosed at age nine, Sutman’s niece is now 14 and in fantastic health. She inspires everyone from current cancer patients, to those whose family and friends are experiencing their own battles.