Springfield, Ohio — The Wittenberg women's lacrosse team is partnering with North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) rival Wooster to raise awareness about autism during a game to be hosted by the Scots at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 9.

Wooster will accept donations to help those affected by the disorder during both of the Scots' games this weekend, including a Sunday, April 10, contest against Carthage. Fans attending the games can purchase T-shirts for $10 and make donations to Lacrosse for Autism, a program started in 2007 by the parents of a child with autism.

Players for both teams will be wearing special warm-up T-shirts in support of autism. Wooster players have also posted flyers around the campus with facts about the disorder, and announcements will be made during halftime and timeouts to raise awareness.

Lacrosse for Autism events are intended to "celebrate and show our appreciation to all teachers and therapists of children with autism and bring autism awareness to the lacrosse community." The organization is working with high school and college lacrosse programs across the country to create events.

The Scots, who have won the last two NCAC titles, are off to a 5-3 start to the 2011 season, including a 1-0 mark in the conference title chase. Wittenberg, on the other hand, is off to one of the best starts in program history at 6-2 after a key NCAC victory over Kenyon last night. The Tigers are shooting for their first-ever conference championship in 2011.

The team's participation in the Lacrosse for Autism event is consistent with Wittenberg's new Tiger GAME Plan and its commitment to community service. The "E" in GAME Plan stands for "Engagement" and recognizes the university's extraordinary learning environment and mission of giving back to the community through meaningful, character-building service projects and campus activities.

Written By: Ryan Maurer
Photo By: Erin Pence

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