'Dig Pink' volleyball campaign underway for Charlotte 49ers

-- The Charlotte 49ers’ volleyball team, perennially a national leader in the “Dig Pink” breast cancer campaign, is hoping to raise more than $10,000 for the cause this month.

The 49ers, who have led the nation in fundraising two of the past three years, will host their “Dig Pink” match Oct. 10 against Florida International at Halton Arena, as well as several other events over the next few weeks.

-- Basketball practice begins next week: the 49ers women on Tuesday, the men Wednesday. The men's season opens Nov. 16 at Elon, with an exhibition Nov. 11 at Halton against Newberry; the women open Nov. 14 at Liberty, with a Nov. 5 exhibition against Catawba.

-- The 49ers’ men’s soccer team didn’t hurt its national rankings with a 3-1 victory against William & Mary on Tuesday night at Transamerica Field. Heading into the game, Charlotte’s RPI was seventh, while the 49ers were ranked 10^th by the NCSAA, 12^th by College Soccer Weekly and 16^th by Soccer America. Defender Nick Barnhorst was named to TopDrawerSoccer.com’s team of the week for his assist and defensive work in a 2-0 victory against New Mexico. The 49ers (6-1) have won five in a row.

Next up for coach Kevin Langan’s team is a tough swing through South Carolina, with a Conference USA game Saturday at South Carolina and a contest next Tuesday against Clemson.

-- 49ers women’s soccer player Martha Thomas also made Top Drawer’s team of the week. She scored twice in the 49ers’ 2-1 victory Sunday at FIU. Thomas leads Charlotte with six goals and assists. The 49ers (4-4-1, 1-1 C-USA) play Marshall on Friday at Transamerica Field.

-- Charlotte’s baseball team will practice at Gastonia’s Sims Park on Thursday and Friday. Phillips Field in Hayes Stadium is being over-seeded, forcing the move. Both practices (Thursday 4-8 p.m.; Friday 1:30-5 p.m.) are free and open to the public.