The Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) volleyball teams join forces with Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges in the fight against cancer with t-shirt sales and fundraising efforts during the upcoming matches on October 20 and October 27. This year, the conference coaches voted unanimously to dedicate this season's special efforts to Emily (Bennett), who was diagnosed with Stage 4 Adenocarcinoma in June, and her husband, Miles Taylor.

The opening event takes place between the Athenas and the No. 8 Cal Lutheran University Regals on October 20 at 7:30 p.m., with subsequent celebrations of Emily's fight throughout the SCIAC continuing on October 27.  That day includes the University of La Verne hosting Whittier College at 1 p.m., followed by various 6 p.m. matches (Caltech at Cal Lutheran, Chapman University at Pomona-Pitzer Colleges, and the University of Redlands at Occidental College).  The "Dig Deep to Beat Cancer" events cap off with CMS traveling to La Verne for a 7 p.m. showdown.

"EmBen" graduated from Scripps in 2006 after an outstanding career with the CMS volleyball team.  She was named the SCIAC Rookie of the Year in 2002 and then received All-SCIAC honors every year thereafter.  Her four-year tenure culminated in an All-West-Region honor.  Miles Taylor (CMC '06) was a star on the men's basketball team, amassing numerous conference honors, including SCIAC Player of the Year in 2006.  The couple married on July 4, 2010.

After being diagnosed with this rare and dangerous lung cancer that affects non-smokers, Emily has been undergoing aggressive chemotherapy at City of Hope National Medical Center.

A group of CMS volleyball alums has developed a website at http://embenkickscancer.wordpress.com/dig-deep/  to chronicle Emily's progress.  Read more about her determination and unyielding sense of humor.  Fans may also make a donation at the web site to help the SCIAC reach its goal of $8000.  All of the money goes directly to an account for Emily and her husband, Miles, to help cover her growing medical bills.  Once Emily beats this, any remaining funds will be donated back to lung cancer research to find a cure for this terrible disease.