LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. — One day before the Siena Women's Lacrosse team played Merrimack, Saints' freshman Hailey Deptula took it upon herself to organize efforts to make Wednesday's game as a way to expand dialogue on mental health through Morgan's Message.

When the game started, Deptula was the star on the field as well as she produced her biggest scoring output of her career with a team-high four goals to help power Siena past Merrimack 15-3 at Hickey Field. 

Defensively, the Saints were in lock-down mode as the team tied a season-low for the fewest goals allowed in a game this season with three—the same mark it allowed against FDU on February 21. 

Siena (6-4, 1-1 MAAC) put forth its second highest goal output of the season as well, gaining a 3-1 advantage after the first quarter and then laid on six more goals in the second quarter to take a commanding 9-1 halftime lead.

Siena's offense was bolstered by four player-up goals and were 4-of-5 on free-position shots. 

Merrimack dropped to 3-8 overall and 0-2 in MAAC play.

Elizabeth Wamp opened the scoring for Siena at 13:12, assisted by Olivia Nicholson.

Following a draw control by Sydney Hannes, Nicholson extended Siena's lead with a free-position goal at 11:38. Merrimack responded with a goal from Mia Estelle at 11:17, but Nicholson added another free position goal at 7:25.

Salter made a critical save on a free position shot by Estelle, highlighting the Saints' defensive efforts.

Siena dominated the second quarter. Deptula opened the scoring at 14:00, followed by Jenna Pollicino's goal at 11:31. Deptula struck again at 10:04, assisted by Pollicino, and completed her hat trick with a player-up goal at 8:23, this time assisted by Nicholson. Lauren O'Hagan contributed with a free-position goal at 2:46, and Nicholson capped the scoring at 2:10, assisted by Pollicino, bringing the score to 9-1. Salter's key saves and Siena's persistent ground ball recoveries maintained the momentum throughout the quarter.

The Saints extended their lead with a strong third quarter, beginning with Cassidy Bonura scoring at 12:59 and again at 9:22, marking her second goal of the quarter. Merrimack responded with a goal by Ashlyn Campbell at 10:26, assisted by Mia Estelle, but Siena quickly regained momentum. Deptula capitalized on a player-up opportunity with a free-position goal at 8:28. Koehler Nieman added to Siena's advantage with a goal assisted by Cassidy Morrow at 5:21, securing a commanding 13-2 lead by the end of the quarter.

Cass Belsito opened the scoring in the fourth with a goal assisted by Nieman at 8:31. Less than two minutes later, Nieman added another point for the Saints with a player-up goal, assisted by Avery Connolly. Merrimack responded with a goal from Campbell, assisted by Kaitlin Roche at 3:39. Shaylin Romero's key saves and Siena's effective ground ball pickups underscored its defensive strength, sealing a 15-3 win.

Throughout the game, those who attended had an opportunity to learn more about Morgan's Message--the organization that strives to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health within the student-athlete community and equalize the treatment of physical and mental health in athletics.  By normalizing conversations that empower those who suffer in silence and supporting those who feel alone.  

The game was in honor of Morgan Rodgers, a women's lacrosse player at Duke, who died by suicide in July of 2019 after battling mental health struggles after injury.  It was created by her family and former teammates with the mission to make it clear that there is no shame in seeking physical healthcare—the same should be true for mental healthcare.  

Deptula and her Saints' teammates answered how they prioritize their mental health with an Instagram post on @SienaWLAX, had brochures on information as well as stickers, bracelets and donation jars around the grandstand areas.  

Siena will be back in action at Niagara (3-7, 2-0 MAAC) on Saturday at 11 a.m.