Fresno State will take the field at Bulldog Diamond at 6 p.m. and take on the Broncos in the second match of the series.
But after the game, student-athletes Diane Runge, Kiley Shae Aldridge, Taylor Langdon and Maria Sio — along with 13 other participants — will take the field again.
They will be donating their hair to Locks of Love, a public nonprofit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the country who are suffering from long-term medical hair loss.
Players and participants — who also include Fresno State assistant coach Carly Wynn and Boise State head coach Erin Thorpe — will line up from home plate to the pitching circle after the game to donate their hair.
Seven hair stylists will be on hand to cut hair following the game. Each participant will donate a minimum of 10 inches of hair.
“It’ll be exciting,” said Runge, who will be cutting off and donating a whole foot of hair. “Some of the girls and I have been talking about it for quite a while. It takes a long time to grow 10 inches of hair.
“It’s a little nerve-racking. It’s a big change, but to know that it’s going to go to a good cause and to go to kids is reassuring. None of us are getting cold feet, but we’re definitely excited,” Runge said.
The Bulldogs’ primary focus will still be on the Boise State game, but for Aldridge, who said she last cut her hair her freshman year of high school, there remains some apprehension.
“I’m going to be so nervous. I know I am,” Aldridge said.
“Just thinking about the hair stylist behind me about to snip it off. I’ll definitely be a little bit nervous, but it’ll go by quick, and I know I’ll be so happy with it afterwards.
“I’m going to be a little sad to see it go, but I’m definitely happy that somebody else is going to be getting it.”
Added Fresno State coach Trisha Ford: “Our softball community is a wonderful community. Our players have done amazing things with this Locks For Love, and I’m really proud of them.”
The Fresno State softball team will also be holding a book drive with First Five of Fresno today before the Bulldogs’ first game against the Broncos. Fans who donate books will receive free admission to the game.
