WEST HAVEN, Conn. – The University of New Haven Student-Athlete Advisory Committee held its 10th annual Community Pizza Challenge on Wednesday night as the Chargers women's lacrosse team host regional rival LIU Post. Overall, eight local pizza shops participated in the yearly challenge with Zuppardi's Apizza earning top billing in both the specialty and cheese pizza categories according to a vote of those students participating.

In addition to Zuppardi's, who is celebrating its 85th anniversary in West Haven, the following local pizzerias participated; Cappetta's Italian Imports, Bella Villa Pizza, Abate's Pizza, 700 Degree Pizza, Andy's Pizza Restaurant, Yorkside Pizza Restaurant and Casa Bianca Pizza.

The Community Pizza Challenge is held as a fundraiser for SAAC with all donations collected going towards the NCAA Division II Make-A-Wish® initiative. Each year the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee's at each Division II institution are charged with raising money for Make-A-Wish® with the top earning programs throughout the nation awarded the opportunity to hold a Wish Granting with their local Make-A-Wish® chapter.

This year's Community Pizza Challenge raised more than $350, bringing the total for the 2018-19 year to more than $5,000 raised for Make-A-Wish®.

New Haven has been the top program in the Northeast-10 in four of the past five years and has had the opportunity to host a pair of Wish Grant day's for Conor in 2016 and Joseph this past April. Both Conor and Joseph had the opportunity to join the New Haven football team during their spring practice before being presented with their one true wish of going on a cruise.

The Community Pizza Challenge is part of the New Haven Department of Athletics' broader community engagement efforts, which seeks to help the surrounding towns and community organizations while providing opportunities for student-athletes and coaches to give back to their communities.