Two women are playing central roles in the first Durham College lacrosse sixes team as the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association introduces the mixed format.
Massage Therapy students Jia Leblanc and Natalia Quesnel joined a Lords roster that is predominantly made up of men. The sixes format is open to all athletes rather than being divided into separate men’s and women’s competitions.
Both players brought experience from other varsity teams. Leblanc competes in women’s soccer at Durham College, while Quesnel plays women’s rugby sevens. They have also played field lacrosse through Lacrosse Canada and Ontario Tech’s women’s program.
A faster and smaller version of lacrosse
Lacrosse sixes puts six players per side on a 70-by-36-metre surface, smaller than a traditional field-lacrosse pitch. The format emphasizes speed, transition play and skills that transfer from other sports.
Leblanc said the new team was her first experience playing alongside men. She described the group as welcoming and said she hopes her participation demonstrates that women belong in the emerging competition.
Head coach Kyle Curtis said Leblanc and Quesnel have brought athleticism, competitiveness and energy to the roster. He said their involvement shows how sixes can create opportunities for talented female athletes in collegiate lacrosse.
Players contribute in first showcase
The OCAA held its first lacrosse sixes showcase in September at Rob Ford Stadium in Etobicoke. Leblanc and Quesnel appeared in both of Durham College’s games and each recorded a shot on goal. Quesnel also earned an assist.
The exhibition schedule continues Sunday, October 18 at Vaso’s Field in Oshawa. Durham College is scheduled to play Mohawk College at 11 a.m. and Fleming College at 3 p.m.
The inaugural season gives the college association an opportunity to test the format while teams build experience. For Durham, it also gives two established female varsity athletes a role in shaping a program from its beginning.
The Durham College lacrosse sixes debut is separate from the Pan-American sixes tournament held recently in Oshawa; this story concerns the college’s new OCAA showcase team.
