Women making an impact in DC’s Lacrosse Sixes debut

The Durham College (DC) Lords are making an impact in the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association’s (OCAA) inaugural season of lacrosse sixes, and two women are playing a key role.

Unlike traditional varsity sports divided into men’s and women’s competition, lacrosse sixes is open to all athletes, and Jia Leblanc and Natalia Quesnel are taking full advantage of the mixed format.

“It feels really good to be part of something new and help establish a sport that is mixed, especially on a team that is predominantly men,” said Quesnel. “Jia and I have integrated really well with the group, and it has been a great experience being part of the program from the beginning.”

The Massage Therapy students are already varsity athletes with the Lords. Leblanc competes with DC’s women’s soccer team, while Quesnel is a member of the women’s rugby sevens program. They both have experience in field lacrosse through Lacrosse Canada and the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks women’s program, with which Leblanc won an Ontario University Athletics silver medal.

Lacrosse sixes is played on a 70 by 36 metre surface (smaller than field lacrosse) with six players on each side.

Leblanc had never previously played on a team alongside men, adding another new element to an already unfamiliar format.

“I hope being out there shows that women belong in this environment too,” said Leblanc. “The coaches and the guys have been incredibly welcoming from day one. They’ve helped us improve while treating us like any other teammate, and that has made it really easy to feel included and comfortable competing.”

Their skills and experience on the lacrosse turf has translated well to the new format, according to head coach Kyle Curtis.

“Jia and Natalia have both been great additions to our group. They’re extremely athletic, competitive, coachable, and have brought a great energy to the team,” he said. “Having athletes like them involved is a great example of how skills from other sports can transfer to lacrosse and how Sixes can create opportunities for talented female athletes to compete at the collegiate level.”

The OCAA’s first lacrosse sixes showcase was held last month at Rob Ford Stadium in Etobicoke, and Leblanc and Quesnel appeared in both of DC’s games, each recording a shot on goal while the latter also picked up an assist.

The exhibition schedule will continue at Vaso’s Field on Sunday, October 18. The Lords will be in action at 11 a.m. against Mohawk College and again at 3 p.m. against Fleming College.