The 2019 Sand Storm Lacrosse Festival at the very prestigious Empire Polo Club in Indio California took place over the week and as in years past,Vancouver Island lacrosse stars have played and represent not only BC Lacrosse but Island Lacrosse and Vancouver Island with passion and honour.  Sand Storm began as a girls’ club tournament geared primarily towards clubs from Western States.

It has since expanded its reach and now includes a significant number of teams from the Midwest, East Coast and Canada. The boys’ component was added in 2011 and it has grown exponentially under the guidance of Boys Director Michael Watson, US Lacrosse Hall of Fame recipient and former UVA 4-time All American.

“It’s a testament to the overall quality of the event.  Every team that participates each year has a great experience and it has spread by word of mouth that Sand Storm is a top-notch tournament in terms of a spectacular venue, precise management and strong competition,” Watson said.  “A weekend in Palm Springs is very appealing to the out-of-town teams.”

This year was no different as all six local Victoria ladies representing Team BC took to the field on four different team. First, Team BC Freshmen went 2 wins; 2 losses and 1 tie with goalie Devon Hall from Victoria

Freshman Team - Goalie Devon Hall.Photo by Fredi Jenner
Freshman Team – Goalie Devon Hall.Photo by Fredi Jenner

Team BC Juniors went 4 wins and 1 loss and made it to the championship finals only to have a controversial finish in which everyone thought the game ended in a tie but the score table “may have miscounted” giving the other team the win. Cassie Peat is our Victoria girl !!

Junior Team - Cassie Peat.Photo by Fredi Jenner
Junior Team – Cassie Peat.Photo by Fredi Jenner

Senior Team went 4 wins and 1 loss,both the Sophomores and Seniors missed out making it to the playoffs because of that one loss. But both teams played exceptionally well throughout the tournament.The Sophomores have Island Girls Sylvi Jenner and Holly Dodds,the Seniors have Maki Jenner and Bria Hamilton.

Sophomore Team - Sylvi Jenner and Holly Dodds.Photo by Fredi Jenner
Sophomore Team – Sylvi Jenner and Holly Dodds.Photo by Fredi Jenner

This is the last time that Maki Jenner and Bria Hamilton will wear the Team BC uniform, as they will be heading to Denver and Mount Olive University’s respectively in the USA to continue their lacrosse careers on athletic and academic scholarships.

Senior Team - Maki Jenner and Bria Hamilton.Photo by Fredi Jenner
Senior Team – Maki Jenner and Bria Hamilton.Photo by Fredi Jenner

Huge congrats Ladies,we here at ISN think you and your Team BC Teammates Rock !!