The fall sports season will be on us before you know it. Another example of that is that the annual Battle For Breast Cancer Central Maine Field Hockey Challenge is coming up on Friday.

Mt. Blue, Nokomis, Skowhegan, and Winslow were the original four teams two years ago. They were joined by Lawrence last year, and this year’s newcomers are Leavitt, Messalonskee, and Mt. View. Over its first two years, the event raised approximately $40,000 for the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center in Farmington.

“Young women, it’s something that they hear about,” Skowhegan coach Paula Doughty said. “But when you don’t have knowledge and don’t have information, it’s a scary thing. I know some of our kids went home and asked their mothers and aunts to get tested.”

The event will run from 3:25-9:30 p.m., Friday, on the two turf fields at Thomas College. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for students, and money raised from the sale of concessions will also go to the Breast Care Center.

The money raised has been able to help several people. According to an e-mail Doughty received from a representative of the Breast Care Center, there was recently a 31-year-old mother who did not have enough money to pay for a test. With the money raised, she has the test done, which turned out to be positive, and she subsequently had a double mastectomy.

“The kids are starting to see that they can make a difference,” Doughty said.

Doughty also credited Brian Bernatchez with his work in getting the turf field complex built at Thomas. Everything will be donated to the cause, including use of the field, food for concessions, and the officials.

The Skowhegan and Mt. Blue teams are scheduled to tour the Center today and Lawrence coach Lisa Larrabee said her players are hoping to arrange a tour for sometime next month. Larrabee said the Bulldogs players have raised about $2,500 so far.

“It’s helping local Maine women, which is important to my team,” Larrabee said. “I’m so proud of my Lady Bulldogs. These kids gave up work and switched schedules to come out and do car washes, bottle drives, and fund-raise for a great cause. They’re real humanitarians.”

Messalonskee coach Katie McLaughlin said her team is excited to be part of the event.

“It’s something we heard about last year, and we just thought it was a great cause,” McLaughlin said. “We love that all the money goes locally. It’s just nice to be part of such a huge community effort that helps others.”

Those who wish to donate but will not be attending Friday’s event can contact Lauri Blanchet at lblanchet@msad54.org or Doughty at pdoughty@msad54.org.

Matt DiFilippo — 861-9243

mdifilippo@mainetoday.com