Plattsburgh State lacrosse held back-to-back on March 28 in dedication of Morgan’s Message, a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community.

According to the Morgan’s Message website, only 10% of college athletes with known mental health struggles seek help. The organization was founded in honor of Morgan Rodgers, who was a Duke University lacrosse player who lost her battle with mental health in 2019 at the age of 22. 

The women’s lacrosse team battled the Cortland Red Dragons and the men’s squad took on the New Paltz Hawks. The men’s team took home their first SUNYAC win of the season with a 10-6 victory over the Hawks. The women’s team fell 17-3 to the Red Dragons.

Leah Klotz, Abby Guasconi, Bella Girard and Ellie MacDonald (left to right) pose for a photo pregame, sporting their Morgan’s Message t-shirts.

Junior attacker Peter Urso pauses as the team takes a moment of silence in honor of Morgan Rodgers.

Junior midfielder Chase Calandra waits for the starting lineups to be called. The teal butterfly logo with a semicolon as the body is based on Morgan Rodgers’ artwork.

Senior midfielder Tim Keenan celebrates after scoring the opening goal in the Cardinals’ contest against SUNY New Paltz.

Senior defender Lexi Carfi looks to intercept a shot from a Cortland Red Dragon. Cortland won the matchup 17-3.

Plattsburgh celebrates after finding the back of the net yet again. The Cards took down New Paltz 10-3 in their conference opener.

Senior attacker Cynthia Barnosky weaves around a Cortland defender, trying to find an open teammate.