SIX NATIONS— Due to world outbreak of COVID-19, the first round of Grand River Attack tryouts were officially postponed.
Coming off an OWBLL (Ontario Women’s Box Lacrosse League) Provincial championship 5-3 loss last August against the Arthur Aces, Grand River was originally scheduled to take to the floor during the first weekend of April for their first tryout.
‘We do have a lot of returning players however there are some open spots this year from girls that have retired or taken a year off,” Attack General Manager Wade Thompson said. “We’re looking at some of the new younger up and coming players.”
Tryouts bring optimism as it’s a time of year that not only rookies but veterans look forward to as well. It’s a chance to not only catch up and spin stories about the previous season but also to watch the young talent trying to make a case for themselves and make the team.
“It’s amazing to see how far girls/women’s lacrosse has come,” Attack veteran player Alisha Smith said. “So, to come see young girls want to be a part of the Attack, it’s exciting. Plus, it means faster fresh legs for vets.”
Smith, also went on to add, “I’m pretty disappointed (postponement of opening tryouts) because the Attack isn’t just a team for me it’s family. And we were all looking forward to not just getting back on the floor but being together again.”
Among the sharp shooters who have played a pivotal role in Grand River’s past success is veteran scorer Linz Smith who was honest when asked about her feelings towards tryouts being postponed understandably by the coronavirus crisis.
“This would have been my 17th season of box lacrosse,” Linz Smith, who is Alisha’s sister said. “It makes me sad to think we may not be able to play because we all look forward to it so much. It’s different from winter league because we’re all split up on different teams so we really miss coming back together as the Attack. It’s like a family reunion when the new season starts,”
All they can do now is continue to play the waiting game.
