J.S. Carras/The Record

LOUDONVILLE — When Ali Jaques was hired as the new women’s basketball coach in April, it was made quite clear how important the Pink Zone game is to the program and the community.
Jaques, whose father, Steve, has battled cancer, knew it was something that she cared passionately about as well.

“Everybody’s been touched by cancer at some point in their life, whether it’s a loved one or a friend,” she said. “Anything we can do to promote research and promote raising money is really important.”

Siena and Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer (CRAAB!) have been partnering for 13 years, bringing awareness and raising money to fight cancer. Last year, the Saints raised $25,853 in there game and tonight, when they take on Rider, at 7 p.m., they are shooting to raise $30,000.

“Our players love this game,” Jaques said. “It’s become a fantastic tradition on the campus and in this community and I’m just lucky to be a part of it.”

Jaques also had the chance to coach against the late Kay Yow, who coached N.C. State to more than 700 victories and passed away from cancer in 2009.

“It’s special,” Jaques said. “It’s like Coach (Jim) Valvano is for the men and Coaches vs. Cancer.”
The game is also important, as the Saints (5-7, 9-14) and Broncs (6-6, 11-12) are both right in a logjam in the middle of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference standings. Jaques, a native of Rosemont, N.J., got her coaching start, at Rider as an assistant (1998-99).

Like in past years, the Saints will wear pink jerseys and encourage fans to wear pink to the game. Siena will hold a special survivors recognition honoring local breast cancer survivors on the court, recognizing their courageous battles against the disease. CRAAB! will also have tables and displays set up with vital information on the fight against breast cancer.

“In our community, it’s extremely well supported and I think that’s a great indication of the community of Albany and Siena itself and how this community can rally and care about something more than just a basketball game,” she said.

For more information, visit SienaSaints.com/PinkZone.