WORCESTER, Mass. - The Worcester State University softball team will host Mental Health Awareness Day next Monday, April 15 as the Lancers take on conference foe Salem State at Raymond Diamond for a MASCAC doubleheader.

The Lancers will wear special teal uniforms for the game in support of suicide awareness and prevention. Each uniform will read “I Play For,” with a blank space for each player to fill in a person in their lives who has been impacted by mental health issues or suicide.

“Every year, we focus on one aspect greater than the game, and this year we have a particular emphasis on the mental side of softball,” said the team in a statement. “Worcester State softball takes great pride in diminishing the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide. This is why we have chosen to dedicate a game to those who have suffered with issues surrounding mental health.”

The Lancers will be collecting cash donations at the game for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. For more information on AFSP, or if you’re unable to attend the game and would like to make a donation, please visit their website at afsp.org.

“All season long, our focus as a team has been on the the mental side of the game, and maintaining our own mental health,” said Lancer head coach Keri Bianchini. “I’m proud of our team for not only embracing this concept, but also for going out of their way to organize an event like this game for such an important cause.”

First pitch in game one of the doubleheader is scheduled for 12 p.m. on Monday, with game two following at 2 p.m. Live stats and video will be available at WSULancers.com, with live updates available on the official Twitter account of Worcester State Athletics, @WSULancers.

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