MACOMB, Ill. – The Western Illinois Softball team took time out of its schedule on Thursday, April 14 to promote the upcoming "Homers for Hodgkin's" campaign.

The Fighting Leathernecks spent part of the afternoon playing wiffleball with students on campus and informing them of the weekend fundraiser, which will help raise support for the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

"It was a lot of fun out there today," said assistant coach Liz Young. "We had several students come out who hadn't ever swung a bat before and it was fun to see them enjoying their time out there. The team had a great time playing ball and informing people too."

Western Illinois will take on North Dakota State in a three-game series this weekend. The teams will square off in a doubleheader beginning at 1 p.m. on Saturday with a single game on the slate at noon on Sunday.

All those in attendance at the games can take place in a home run derby after Saturday's contest. Participants are asked to make any type of monetary donation to the Foundation in order to hit in the contest.

"Today really helped us raise awareness about the 'Homers for Hodgkin's' campaign and gave us a chance to let the students know that we have a big series coming up this weekend," said Young. "We hope to see a lot of people out at the stadium this weekend to cheer for us and to participate in the fundraiser."

Those participants who hit a homer off of Western Illinois head coach Holly Van Vlymen on Saturday will be welcome back to compete in the semifinal and final rounds on Sunday.

For more information on the "Homers for Hodgkin's" campaign or any other upcoming softball promotion, contact the Western Illinois Athletics Marketing and Promotions office at (309) 298-1190.