VESTAL, N.Y. – The Bearcats women’s lacrosse team kicks off their season against Siena on Friday at 3 p.m. at the Bearcats Sports Complex. This game is extra special—it’s the Bearcats’ Morgan’s Message game, aimed at raising awareness for mental health in sports. It’s crucial to create supportive environments for student-athletes and to treat mental and physical health equally.
In their last match, the Bearcats suffered a 10-6 loss to Marist. However, six players scored, which included Christina Lauro and Sabrina Boyle, both celebrating their first career goals. Emily Backlin, in her first start as a goalkeeper, made a strong impression with 15 saves, including crucial stops on free position shots.
Insights on Siena
Siena comes into this game after defeating Hofstra 10-6 in their season opener. McAllister Salter and Avery Connolly have been recognized with MAAC awards—Salter as Defensive Player of the Week and Connolly as Rookie of the Week. Last season, Siena completed a 9-9 record, finishing strong in the MAAC tournament, and they are favored to finish third in this year’s preseason poll.
Historical Context
When looking at the all-time matchup, Binghamton holds a slight edge with an 8-6 record against Siena. Last year, the Bearcats took home an 8-6 victory, highlighted by Emma Blloshmi’s four goals and Maeve Sayer’s nine saves.
Recent social media discussions show fans eager for the season to start, expressing support for increased mental health awareness in athletics. This trend reflects a broader societal effort to normalize conversations about mental health. According to a recent NCAA survey, nearly 40% of student-athletes reported feeling overwhelmed, underscoring the importance of initiatives like Morgan’s Message.
As the Bearcats take the field, they not only aim for victory but also to champion a vital cause. This game is an opportunity to celebrate both individual achievements and collective well-being in sports.
For more information on mental health initiatives in sports, check out Morgan’s Message.
