Duck, dodge, dip, dive, dodge…

Sigma Kappa sorority held its third annual Ultra Violet Dodge Ball Tournament on Saturday afternoon.

Emily McSherry, a business junior and vice president of philanthropic services for Sigma Kappa, said that this year had the biggest turnout yet, with 85 registered teams and more than 500 male participants.

The money raised will go toward Sigma Kappa’s national philanthropies, which include support for Alzheimer’s awareness and research.

Dodge ball was chosen as a philanthropy event because it’s different and interesting, McSherry said.

“Philanthropy events are kind of hard to get people to go to,” McSherry said, “but guys love the fun competition.”

The bracket-style tournament was played at the Student Recreation Center on three courts. Each team had six players, and referees from the Tucson Dodge Ball Association monitored the games.

The games were fast-paced, with dodge balls flying and occasionally hitting spectators, who were lined up around all sides of the courts.

Teams also got to pick their own names, which included the Flying Hawaiians, White Stallions and Muffin Men.

“There were some really funny names,” said Tasia Nash, a junior studying dance and industrial engineering and a member of Sigma Kappa.

Gage Bachik, a pre-business freshman, was on the Phi Delta Theta team named Balls of Fire. He said the team joined the event to show support for Sigma Kappa.

“We love Sigma Kappa, and we wanted to support the philanthropy,” Bachik said. “All the fraternity brothers love it.”

The tournament awarded prizes to the top four teams including Chipotle Mexican Grill gift cards, Vineyard Vines swag, candy and assorted small treats.

“First prize also gets to take home our big banner that we have hanging at the front of Sigma Kappa,” McSherry said.

Members of Sigma Kappa walked around the event holding signs and supporting the players, so each team had its own cheering section.

The cheering added to the high energy of the event, Bachik said.

“Everyone gets really into it,” Bachik said. “It’s really exciting and a lot of fun.”

McSherry said the tournament also holds a nostalgic appeal.

“It’s something everyone has done through their childhood,” she said, “so I think it’s fun to have college students get to play again.”