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The Hofstra Women's Lacrosse program will host the third annual Nick Colleluori Women's Lacrosse Classic on Saturday, September 24th at James M. Shuart Stadium in Hempstead, New [lacrosse].

The tournament was the first of its kind on the women's side to help raise funds and awareness for the HEADstrong Foundation and blood cancer research.

This year a bone marrow drive will also be held. Take the first step to become a bone marrow donor by joining the Be the Match Registry. You could be the one to save a life. The Foundation will absorb the processing fees.

"I am so excited with how this event has evolved in the three short years since it began," commented Hofstra University Head Women's Lacrosse Coach Abby Morgan. "This event has raised over $70,000 in two years and we look forward to the third annual Nick Colleluori Women's Lacrosse Classic having the same type of impact."

Participating in the tournament will be 13 teams: Hofstra, Adelphi, Central Connecticut State, Connecticut, C.W. Post, Iona, Johns Hopkins, La Salle, Long Island, Monmouth, Vermont, New [lacrosse] Athletic Club and Team HEADstrong (Hofstra lacrosse alumnae) Each squad will play four games and the schedule of the contests will be announced at a later date. All the teams will be given lime green laces to be worn during the tournament to show their support.

In addition to a great day of lacrosse, there will also be a variety of items associated with the HEADstrong Foundation for sale, including the lime green laces, and there will be plenty of activities to keep all the fans and spectators entertained all day. All funds raised during the tournament will go directly to the HEADstrong Foundation.

Nick Colleluori was a member of the Pride Lacrosse team from 2004 to 2006 and graduated from Ridley High School (PA) in 2004. Nick may have lost his battle with blood cancer on November 28, 2006 but his vision has just begun.

The HEADstrong Foundation is dedicated to Nick's life. He drew the logo as he was waiting to go into the operating room for a procedure. Because lacrosse was his passion and he can no longer carry the ball, his family and friends will carry the ball for him. Please join the HEADstrong Foundation's effort to bring Nick's vision to reality to promote cancer awareness, support research and help eliminate this disease.

The HEADstrong Foundation's mission is to generate funds for cancer research, distribute grants and assistance to survivors of blood cancer, provide financial assistance to families that are experiencing the hardships of having a sick family member, and provide scholarships and grants for students with ambitions of entering the medical field.

To learn more about the HEADstrong Foundation, visit www.HEADstrongfoundation.org.