UNION — On Friday, Union County High School hosted a students-versus-faculty basketball game as a fundraiser for the UCHS March of Dimes team. Students paid $1 each to get out of class and attend the event, with proceeds going to the March of Dimes March for Babies.

“They have set a $1,000 goal this year, and with this event, they should hit it!” said Lindsay Vickery, community director of March for Babies.

Katie Haney, UCHS faculty member and March for Babies team captain, estimated the team raised $800 to $900 from Friday’s fundraiser, which pitted faculty members against students on the basketball court.

The faculty team won bragging rights as they defeated the students with a score of 29-28 in what was said to be an extremely close game consisting of two 10-minute halves.

Haney said more than 40 students signed up to play in the game, but since only 21 players were allowed to play, precedence was given to seniors.

The student team included Tyler Rector, Jamel Newton, Larecus Hughes, Shaderiay Spears, J.P. Fowler, Juawan Rice, Nick Fowler, Ryan Martain, Brandon Stone, Trey Smith, Louis Mercado, David Beavans, Joseph Beavans, Gray Ransom, Daniel Bright, Brianna Graham, Abby Allen, Makayla Plemmons, Kiana Brown, Kristin Giles, Shoulda Stevens and Lexus Brannon.

The faculty team consisted of Troy Bowe, Jeff Bell, Will Hickson, Mary Hooker, Floyd Lyles, Lashon Rogers, Brian Kemp, Sonya Glenn, Katie Haney and Katie Paschall.

While the UCHS varsity cheerleaders cheered for the student team, the faculty team had its own cheerleaders, including faculty members Serena Rice, Jeanell Gilliam, Anna Roark, Paula Garner and Renee Rogers. Announcers for the event were Michael Bennett and Kane Quinn.

The event also included a DJ — School Resource Officer Cornell Mauney, a.k.a. DJ 5-oh.

Haney said the game was the UCHS March for Babies team’s primary fundraiser for the year, although they also participated in the Purses for Premies fundraiser. All first period classes will also compete next week by selling March of Dimes pin-ups, and the first period class selling the most will be treated to breakfast from Bojangles.

The official 2012 Union County March for Babies will take place at 9 a.m. Oct. 13 at Veterans Park. Funds raised by the event support research and grants awarded to programs that improve infant and maternal health in South Carolina. UCHS will have a team in the walk, and members of student service organizations will collect service hours by volunteering at the event.

Those interested in participating in the March for Babies can still register by calling (864) 551-2649, emailing lvickery@marchofdimes.com or visiting www.marchofdimes.com.