Newtown High School’s boys’ lacrosse team not only defeated visiting Brien McMahon of Norwalk 13-2 in the regular-season finale at Blue & Gold Stadium on May 11, but the Nighthawk lacrosse community also did its part to assist the mission of the 15 For Life Foundation for the second year in a row. Just as the NHS girls’ program did at an April 12 game, players, coaches, parents, and other community members come together to support the foundation’s mission to open dialogue about depression and mental health.

Newtown’s Jeff Kavovit’s brother and lacrosse standout Rob Kavovit took his life at the age of 45 and left behind a wife and two children after battling silent depression. This tragedy prompted the family to start 15 For Life, which encourages people to shed the shame around needing help and strives to normalize the conversation around mental health by creating awareness so that their loss may help others. Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among college athletes and it is Kavovit’s goal to prevent others from ending their lives. The website 15forlife.org notes that the foundation is “inspired by one man to save the lives of many.”

“It was a great night for our team to share the significance of the 15 for Life mission and to encourage open dialogue around mental health. Having the added fun energy of the youth teams felt like a tight knit lacrosse community,” said Newtown lacrosse player Kyle Ruddy, who spoke to fans at the game.

“I am grateful to be a 15 For Life ambassador. Our benefit game is a great celebration and opportunity to spread the word about the mental matters mission. However, for our program it goes much deeper than just one game — it is a way of life for our players and something we focus on all year. We are really fortunate to be part of an amazing program and our players truly benefit from it. We look forward to helping all players that come through this program understand that they have a voice and they should speak up for help when needed,” Newtown Coach Tony Fitti added.

In the game, Nate Pickard scored a hat-trick and added an assist; Marcus Gerace had two goals and two assists; and Fisher Stites and Charlie Massett both scored a pair of goals. Marty Dunn registered four assists. Brady Macey had eight ground ball scoops and Stites had seven ground balls. Led by Stites and with Andrew Corey also taking draws, Newtown won 15 of 19 faceoffs.

The Nighthawks are to play in the South-West Conference Tournament quarterfinals at Joel Barlow of Redding on Thursday at 6 pm; NHS enters as the No. 7 seed and Barlow as the No. 2 team. Barlow defeated Newtown 10-2 at home during the regular season.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.