Langford’s Marina Santos helped Team BC capture gold at the U13 Box Lacrosse Nationals in Halifax, N.S. a performance that saw the B.C. squad dominate from start to finish.
The tournament ran from Aug. 11 to 15, and Santos shared goaltending duties with Stefania Garcea of Vancouver.
Together, the duo allowed just two goals across six games, earning two shutouts each and another game where they conceded only one goal.
Team BC stormed through round-robin play, outscoring their opponents 36-0 with decisive victories over Saskatchewan 12-0, Nova Scotia 15-0, New Brunswick 6-0, and Ontario 3-0.
In the knockout stage, Team BC kept their momentum, dispatching New Brunswick 9-1 in the semifinals before beating Ontario 4-1 to claim the gold medal.
Another Vancouver Island player, Hailey Chandler from Nanaimo, also contributed to the team’s success.
For 12-year-old Santos, representing B.C. on the national stage was a proud moment.
“It felt great to be part of something bigger. I was so proud to bring home a gold medal,” she said.
Santos and Garcea built a strong partnership in net.
“Stef and I became really good friends, so it was easy to support each other. We have a lot in common both on and off the floor,” Santos said. “Usually I’m the only goalie on my team, so it was nice to share the job and have someone else to lean on. And it helps that Stef is also a great goalie,”
Throughout the tournament, two moments stood out for Santos.
“The first was winning our first game, and the second was winning gold and hearing my name called out,” said the 12-year-old.
She also reflected on what being a goalie has taught her.
“Lacrosse has definitely improved my focus, strength, and hand-eye coordination. For being a goalie, I love that I get to learn different skills than the rest of the team and I enjoy the intensity of it,” she said. “Even though it’s stressful, there’s a reward after.”
Santos started playing lacrosse at age 10 after a friend invited her to join.
Initially a runner, an early foot injury led her to try goaltending.
“To give my foot a break, I went in net instead, and it turned out I was pretty good at it,” said the Centre Mountain Lellum Middle School student.
Looking ahead, she hopes to continue improving and return to nationals one day.
“I had great training with a goalie coach at Team BC practices this summer and learned a few things I need to work on. I hope to work hard, get better, and hopefully go to nationals again someday.”
