The big winners in Friday’s basketball game were the women, who earned their 13th straight win, and the American Cancer Society.

For the first time, Diablo Valley College hosted the Coaches vs. Cancer – Suits and Sneakers benefit game Jan. 30, which raised $1,039 for the American Cancer Society.

The bleachers were full of supporting fellow student-athletes from swimming, water polo, lacrosse, tennis, and track and field.

In this event, supporters were encouraged to donate and stay for the women and men’s games against the Cosumnes River Hawks.

The women improved their overall record when they obliterated their opponents 87-46, giving them an 8-0 record in their conference. In this one-sided game the women started strong and ended strong. Guard Sabrea Coleman was the highest-scoring Viking with 15 points.

In a close game, the men were defeated for their fourth loss in the Big 8 conference. They competed with the Hawks for the lead the entire game until they lost control in the last quarter. The final score was 61-56, making their overall record 12-11.

The emotional night began with a ceremony honoring Lauren McCullough, a DVC swimmer who passed away last February from Ewing’s Sarcoma.

Her parents, Deanne and John McCullough, were there to show their appreciation.

“She is in your hearts,” said Deanne McCullough, when she addressed the crowd.

When asked about Lauren McCullough, women’s head coach Ramaundo Vaughn said, “She lived a full life and always lived it to the fullest.”

As for the team’s reaction to the night, Vaughn said, “This was a tremendous event; it is great to see the support.”