WELLINGTON: Two local lacrosse players will get to live out a dream—donning the Team Nova Scotia colours as they play at a national championship on home soil, at the BMO Centre in Bedford from July 21-25.
Jenna Presley of Wellington and Halley James of Fall River are members of the Nova Scotia bantam female lacrosse team that will do battle with teams from B.C.; Alberta; and Ontario.
Presley, 14, has been playing the sport for two years while 13-year-old James is in her third year.
She thinks the team will be ready to go when the tournament starts.
“We’ve trained a lot and our team is made up of very good lacrosse players,” said Presley. “I’m confident we can go in there and surprise the other teams with our improvement, even if we don’t win.
“We’ve spent a lot of time together over the last two months training and team bonding. We’ve developed some strong friendships along the way.”
She said it means a lot to make Team Nova Scotia.
“We’ve personally trained so hard throughout the whole year for this awesome opportunity,” said Presley, a Lockview High student. “Our coaches Sean Carrigan, Zac Carrigan and Cory Millington have worked hard to bring the best out of the girls and we have come a long way and feel we are ready.
“Last season, I never would have thought that in only one year I would be going to nationals.”
James said she’s thrilled with the opportunity to represent N.S. at nationals and that is “pretty awesome.”
“I love lacrosse because it is a rough and very competitive sport, and I also love the speed of the game,” she said. “You’re constantly moving, throwing passes and receiving passes. You barely ever get caught standing still.”
She said her interest came from herself and some hockey friends attending a “Try Lacrosse” session.
“The coaches were all so nice and made us really fall in love with the game,” SAID jAMES. “So I decided to stick with it and have had a lot of fun since.”
Presley plays with the Sackville Wolves and in the past has played with the St. Margaret’s Bay Storm. James, a GP Vanier student, donned the Sackville Storm colours in peewee last year.
Lacrosse is now Presley’s favourite sport, and she would recommend others to try it out as well.
“It will not only make you a better athlete, but it also builds friendships, memories, and for some, opportunities of a lifetime,” said Presley.
To follow the team’s progress, check out the tournament website at: http://femalenationals.pointstreaksites.com/view/femalenationals .
Team N.S. plays July 22 against B.C. at 10:30 a.m.; twice on July 23, first vs Ont. at 9 a.m. then Alberta at 4:30 p.m.; July 24 vs B.C. at 9 a.m. and then Ontario at 4:30 p.m. The bronze and gold medal games are on July 25 at 12 and 2 p.m.
