VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Another year. Another extremely successful "Strikeout Cancer" campaign!

The Virginia Wesleyan University softball team has once again showed the power of giving, raising a record-breaking $28,615 for the American Cancer Society over the past few weeks.

Its ninth year coordinating the event, the squad has now raised a total of $131,032 over the course of that time. This year, Virginia Wesleyan set a goal of $25,000 dollars and were extremely pleased to see that goal not only met but surpassed in a big way.

"This community continues to amaze me," stated head coach Brandon Elliott. "We have hundreds of people going out of their way to help with the cause and its almost overwhelming the amount of support showed."

The squad has been the top Division III giver over the past three years, each year generating more donations than the last. "We weren't sure if we were going to reach our goal of 25K this season," exclaimed Elliott as the fundraiser had just raised around the $20,000 mark before the final count. "Over the last 24 hours though, we have had an explosion of donations coming in from surrounding travel teams and others and I just couldn't be happier."

Money was raised a multitude of ways, from a silent auction (which included a donated Alex Ovechkin stick, signed Christian Laettner shirt, etc.) to t-shirt sales, to just people donating, with %100 of the proceeds going to the ACS.

"Whether we can see it or not, cancer took a giant 'L' today and I can proudly say that this team, this University and the surrounding community all played a big part in that" –Elliott added.

To all those who still are looking to donate, feel free to do so HERE: STRIKEOUT CANCER DONATIONS