Tri Co Invitational Again A Success
HAVERFORD, Pa. -- The Swarthmore women's lacrosse team, along with the teams from neighboring Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges, hosted the second annual Tri-Co Women's Lacrosse Invitational on Feb. 28. The one-day lacrosse festival included a goal-a-thon to promote awareness about autism.
Autism Speaks is dedicated to funding global biomedical research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and cure for autism; to raising public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families, and society; and to bringing hope to all who deal with the hardships of this disorder.
The six teams participating included Moravian, Neumann and Widener—together the teams scored 67 goals, raising over $2,200 for Autism Speaks, an organization is committed to the health and the well-being of all children.
“It was a great day for all six teams. The student-athletes knew they were participating in an event that was more important than lacrosse,” said Swarthmore head coach Karen Borbee. “Playing for a cause always opens your eyes to the bigger picture. Autism touches so many lives and it is a great feeling to raise money to help with research that will someday find a cure.”
Douglas Fischer, a volunteer for Autism Speaks, hosted a table with information about autism, autism research and advocacy opportunities at the Tri-Co Invitational. “On behalf of A.S., I would like to sincerely thank the schools, players, and coaches who participated in the lacrosse goal-a-thon,” said Fischer. “Many 
families approached the table (pictured right) during the game to let me know about their connection with autism. The enthusiasm, and support, for the people affected by autism, was truly heart-warming.”
The student-athletes came away from the Tri-Co Invitational with newfound outlook. “It's great to have the opportunity to channel our love of the sport into an opportunity to give back to the community and to advocate for an important cause,” said Haverford senior captain Lauren Finkel. “The event has taken place near the beginning of the lacrosse season and [Haverford women’s lacrosse] really values the opportunity to get in game time against teams that we don't normally play while channeling our love of the sport into an opportunity to give back to the community and to advocate for an important cause.
“Thanks to the kindness and hard work of the lacrosse community, we had a great day,” said Fischer. “Each team played a huge part in raising money that will help us to understand this complex disorder.”
Click here for more information about Autism Speaks.
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