Minor lacrosse girls’ teams return

Last weekend at the Kahnawake Sports Complex marked two games that were 15 years in the making, as the Kahnawake Mohawks Minor Lacrosse Association (KMMLA) welcomed two girls’ teams - one U13 and one U15 - to the fold for the first time in a decade and a half.

“It was an honour to be part of making history,” said Al Jones, who is serving as head coach for the U15 team.

Although they were shut out on May 17 in their first two games against Nepean and Akwesasne, Jones is happy with how the U15 team has responded to the challenge of playing their first games as a team.

“It was exciting and impressive, watching them get ready for a game that many of them have never, ever played,” said Jones.

Indeed, for many players on the team, this was the first time they had played organized lacrosse like this, so Jones is putting the emphasis on development this season.

“As long as I see the girls getting better after each game, each week, then we’re succeeding,” said Jones.

After only two practices, he said the team executed his simple defensive system very well, with ball movement and taking advantage of scoring opportunities his priorities in terms of what to practice.

With many new players, he has appreciated having the handful of veterans on the team to help them along.

Among those is team captain Ashtyn David, who prior to this year had experience playing for mixed teams last year in minor lacrosse, as well as playing for the Akweks field lacrosse team. This year is the first time she has ever played on an all-girls lacrosse team.

“I really like playing on this team, because it’s a chance for girls that never got to play to play. I’m so happy that I get to share my experience and skills with this team,” said David.

“It’s really nice to be a part of the first girls’ box team for Kahnawake. It means a lot to help open the doors for the future girls who want to join the sport.”

Jones is also joined behind the bench by Ava Gabriel.

“She came up to me and approached me and asked if she could help. And I was very happy, because bringing her experience to the bench is definitely a bonus after all she’s done,” said Jones.

He added that having someone who has been in the same situation as the players is very helpful, as opposed to having an all-male coaching staff.

“She can relate to them a lot more psychologically and help know their need. It’s great having her here,” said Jones.

David said having Jones and Gabriel behind the bench has been a great experience so far.

“They are both really good coaches, and they are really good at what they do. Al always knows what to do in tough situations, and he’s really good at helping other teammates at practice. Ava is also good at helping out at practice and on floor. In between periods, she always tells me stuff I could do to help the team and score, and I hope to play like her one day,” said David.

As the season progresses and the team gets more experience, Jones said he expects the team to be rewarded for their hard work with wins.

Regardless, he can’t help but admire their willingness to learn and play.

“I love their spirit,” said Jones.

“They were all encouraging each other, ‘you had a great shot, you played good defense.’ They support each other very well, and that helps. At the end of the day, the girls will feel more confident.”

David echoed her coach’s sentiment.

“Every time we play a game, we become stronger as a team, and I can’t wait to see where we end up by the end of the season,” she said.

The U13 girls, for their part, have had a great start to the season, as they currently sit undefeated after winning their first three games - one against Nepean and two against Akwesasne.

U13 forward Ivy Cross is credited with scoring the first goal of the renewed girls’ teams, which was commemorated on the ball she scored on Nepean’s goalie with.

The rest of the KMMLA schedule can be found each week on their Facebook page.

[email protected]