OSHAWA, Ont. - For the first time in almost two years, the Ontario Tech women's lacrosse team is back in action and start their new season in Peterborough when they face the Trent Excalibur on Sept. 19, before they return to Oshawa for their home opener on Sept. 25 against the Toronto Varsity Blues.
 
"It's been a long year, but I speak for all of us when I say we're excited back out on the field again and play some games," said second-year attack Catherine Vinkovic.
 
Like many of the programs impacted by the global pandemic over the last two years, the lacrosse team found ways to stay together digitally throughout 2020's cancelled season with Zoom hosting team meetings, strength and endurance training sessions and game nights. Ontario Tech was also one of the schools that found time to train on campus at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre when the restrictions allowed for it.
 
"It was a great year for team bonding, it really meshed the team together, but we're all ready to put in some work now," said Vinkovic.
 
Joining Vinkonic as returning players will be fourth-year defender Victoria Uchida, third-year Amanda Di Mascio, and second years Hannah Bragg, Caitlyn Cote, Brooke Watson and Ayden Briggs who helped the Ridgebacks go 8-7-1 in 2019-20, including an undefeated 3-0 away record. The veterans will be flanked by 11 new players who have joined the team since they last played.
 
"(Opening day) is very exciting and intimidating, because we have a lot of new players, but we're looking forward to see what this team can accomplish this year and hopefully we can make it all the way to the final," said first-year attack Brooklyn Parlane.
 
When the Ridgebacks take to the field for this season, they'll be wearing brand new white jerseys, which made their debut at the first Ridgeback media day and were an instant hit with the players.
 
"It feels great to be in the new jerseys and still repping Ontario Tech and supporting the Ridgebacks," said Parlane. "We really like the long sleeves since we go into the winter a little bit, so it does get a bit chilly. We're rocking them and can't wait to play in them."
 
This season will see the Ridgebacks play host to the OUA lacrosse championship which takes place Oct. 30-31 at Vaso's Field. Ontario Tech hosted the last OUA lacrosse championship in 2019, where the Ridgebacks finished fourth after a 14-11 loss against the Western Mustangs.
 
"That's going to be a really, really fun weekend for everyone, hopefully we'll have some good games and get some fans out there," said Vinkovic.