October 14, 2021
During the Sept. 23 Pink Game against Marquette, Ingram throws the first pitch of the game. The game is annual but this was the first year that a first pitch was thrown. The Lancers beat Marquette for the third year in a row, with a final score of 5-2.
Every year, Lafayette softball holds a Pink Game against Marquette High School in honor of Breast Cancer awareness and research. This year, it was in Ingram’s honor. Senior Abby Charlton had Ingram her freshman year and has since maintained a strong connection with her in the classroom.
“When I found out about Ingram and the pink game was coming up it just seemed like the perfect opportunity to raise money for her. I approached our Booster Club mom and asked her if we could have the proceeds go to Ingram,” Charlton said.
She also made bows for everyone on the team to wear during the game with Ingram’s name printed on them.
“I felt like making the bows would be a good way to honor her and show our love and support,” Charlton said. “[This year’s pink game] was a lot more meaningful because with COVID last year we weren’t able to have the same experience that we had this year. This year it was kind of back to what it used to be. For me personally, it was a lot different because it was my first real pink game on varsity. I felt like the energy this year was so much more lively. We were all so pumped, I think all of us lost our voices the next day. It’s a big game anyway because we play Marquette but we had a long conversation before the game about what we were playing for that day and that we needed to play for the right reasons and not just play for us, but for everyone who has battled and is battling cancer. I think that gave us a lot more motivation and energy.”
I’m playing softball but why does it even matter? At that moment, it was cool to realize that there is a purpose to this game and why I’m here right now and why I’m playing. — senior Abby Charlton
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Although the game is annual, this year the game included something new: a first pitch thrown by Ingram.
“When brainstorming on ways to demonstrate that we were dedicating this game to Ms. Ingram, we wanted to find a way to include her in the game. We thought it was a neat moment for community support, and a great opportunity to recognize Ms. Ingram,” Head Coach Ally Gardner said. “I think our players all felt that this was a special moment too. There are many on the team that in some way have dealt with a form of cancer, whether it be a family member or family friend. I think they felt empowered to show support in advocating for research and awareness and that they were able to contribute and make a difference.”
Prosperi also attended the game and as an alumni and was happy to be reminded of the community available at the school.
“I went to the softball game just to see all of the students that she has touched supporting her right now in this tough time. It just means so much to her whole family. I know how special [Lafayette] is and it warms my heart to know that she’s teaching there now as she’s going through all this,” she said.
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