SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. - Cal State San Bernardino's athletic colors are black and blue but on Saturday night at 5 p.m. when the Yotes volleyball team hosts rival Cal Poly Pomona, a lot of people will be wearing pink.

It's all part of a CCAA conference emphasis on advocating for research, clinical trials and advocacy related to metastatic breast cancer awareness supported by the Side-Out Foundation.

All CCAA teams will be hosting Dig Pink Nights during this 2023 season.

The name of the foundation relates directly to volleyball strategy. Side-Out means regaining control and the foundation is designed to help people with breast cancer regain control of their lives, according to their website.

The foundation was established in 2004 by Rick Dunetz whose wife died of the disease. Dig Pink is designed to help athletes, parents and coaches get out the word with over 9,000 Dig Pink events through out the country in 2023.

CSUSB VS. CAL POLY POMONA
The Yotes host CCAA conference leader Cal Poly Pomona in the 75^th meeting of the two teams that dates back to 1988. Entering the weekend, the Broncos are 6-0 in the CCAA, 13-1 overall and ranked No. 13 in NCAA Division II.

The Yotes and Broncos closed out the 2022 conference regular season tied for second place at 14-4. CSUSB won the two regular season meetings but lost to the Broncos in the CCAA tournament and the quarterfinals of the NCAA West Regional.

Cal Poly is strong on both sides of the ball. Team-wise the Broncos are No. 1 in the CCAA in hitting percentage (.290), No. 1 in opponent hitting percentage (.149) and CSUSB is No. 2 in both categories. 

The Broncos are No. 1 in assists (12.87 per set); kills (14.33 per set), opponent blocks (1.49/set) and No. 2 in team blocking (2.30/set).

Individually, the Broncos return several key statistic leaders from 2022 including outside hitter Daisy Duke, the CCAA Player of the Year in 2022 and CCAA Tournament MVP. Duke is No. 4 in the conference in hitting (.358) and No. 5 in kills (3.64/set)
 
Samantha Campion ranks No. 1 in kills per set at 4.07. Catie Mueller is No. 1 in assists (10.85/set). Jenna O'Shay is No. 2 in services aces (22). Avary Percival is No. 4 in digs at 3.67/set and Alexia Athans is No. 5 in blocks per set (1.05).