Surrey residents Alessa Garcia and Emilija Martic were among 11 women to make the initial cut following last Friday’s Lingerie Football League tryout in Richmond.
Nearly two dozen women tried out for a spot on the B.C. Angels – which will be playing out of Abbotsford – and many quickly demonstrated that they were more than just a pretty face.
Coquitlam’s Mary Anne Hanson distinguished herself with her strong and accurate throwing arm, Vancouver’s Stephanie Manou showed off her overall athleticism thanks to her experience as a rugby player, and both Port Moody’s Jeanette Jackson and Surrey’s Martic were among the strongest competitors who weren’t afraid to get physical.
Garcia, who has been playing football recreationally for many years, has a versatile repertoire, capable as a quarterback, wide rece
iver, and defensive back.
League founder and commissioner Mitchell Mortaza tweeted following the tryout: “This was the greatest group of athletic women to ever compete at an LFL tryout, ever.”
Mortaza said those who made the cut on Friday are invited to a mini-camp to try out for one of the final 20 roster positions. The B.C. Angels will make their debut on Saturday, Aug. 25 against the Regina Rage.
While the athletes won’t be paid, Mortaza hyped up how they’ll instead receive plenty of profile and media attention.
Also among the 11 who made Friday’s cut were: Vancouver’s Sara Lia Lam, Megan Stewart and Ashley Petrie; North Vancouver’s Kate Marshall; and Coquitlam’s Sara Leibl and Stephanie Fitzgerald.
Friday’s two-hour tryout saw the LFL hopefuls demonstrate their offensive and defensive skills.
They were run through a series of drills, from one-on-one tackling to throwing and catching, running pass routes, and trying to sack the quarterback.
The exhausting tryout left many of the women with souvenirs in the form of scrapes and bruises. And plenty of smiles.
Following the tryout, as Mortaza met with his staff to determine the finalists, many of the participants said they had fun, and enjoyed the camaraderie and workout.
For more photos of the tryout, visit http://tinyurl.com/LFLinRichmond
