The Green Level men’s lacrosse team will host its fourth annual “Crosse Out Cancer” event this Saturday, March 15, at Durham County Memorial Stadium. 

The day will consist of six games featuring some of the top men’s lacrosse teams from North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. 

The event will begin at 9 a.m., as Apex Friendship takes on Orange. The second game of the morning will put Apex up against Northwest Guilford. 

In the afternoon, Ardrey Kell will take on Topsail in a true “East vs. West” matchup. At 3 p.m., Green Level, the defending NCHSAA 4A state champions, will face Lucy Beckham, the 2024 SCHSL 4A state champions from Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. 

Green Level Head Coach Kyle Sopko says Saturday’s matchup will be tough, but his team is looking forward to the challenge.

“(Lucy Beckham is) a powerhouse in South Carolina,” Sopko said. “They have won three straight state titles, and they have already beaten Lake Norman, one of the favorites in North Carolina, this season. 

The evening games will showcase Middle Creek and Weddington around 5 p.m., and Cardinal Gibbons against Blue Ridge (Virginia) in the nightcap.

What started out as just a single game between Green Level and Green Hope in 2022, “Crosse Out Cancer,” has grown into a multi-game event – and it’s all for a good cause.

All the proceeds throughout the day will be donated to various cancer research organizations – the Pretty in Pink Foundation (breast cancer), Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation (childhood cancer), Lung Cancer Initiative, Duke Cancer Institute Fund (melanoma), and Brain Cancer research fund. 

For Sopko, this event has a special personal meaning.

“My mom is a cancer survivor, and my mother-in-law lost her battle to breast cancer a few years ago, right after Sam and I got married,” Sopko said. “To run this event in honor of them is something my whole family is super passionate about, and we put all of our heart and soul into making sure the day is successful for all battling, who have battled, and who we have lost.”

“This event raises awareness and funds for such a horrible disease that too many people know too well,” he added. “We are pleased with the growth over the past four years and look forward to improving the event every year.” 

Fans will be able to make contributions through merchandise purchases, participating in a variety of raffles, or scanning QR codes to simply make a donation.

Last year’s event raised more than $17,000. Sopko says their goal this year is $25,000.