The United States, the eight-time titlist that had outscored its previous seven opponents by more than 13 goals per game, did enough to keep Canada at bay in the second half Saturday afternoon to complete an 11-8 victory in the tournament final at Towson University’s Johnny Unitas Stadium.
With the win, the U.S. (8-0) improved to 9-2 in championship games and captured its first title on American soil. The country’s only two setbacks in tournament finals came at the hands of Australia in Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, in 1986 and Annapolis in 2005.
The U.S. extended its winning streak to 30 in a row. The Americans have not suffered a loss since a 14-7 setback to Australia on July 2, 2005, in that title game.
How The Coaches Saw It:
“That’s a star-studded lineup right there. Just look at their attackers and their next wave of attackers that are on the bench that didn’t get in. We had to get our matchups and keep our matchups, and for the most part, I thought we did a very good job keeping them at bay and that stuff. It’s just when you keep giving them the ball over and over again, great players will make you pay and score, and that’s what they did.”
Canadian coach, Scott Teeter
“Canada’s an unbelievable opponent,” said Levy, who guided North Carolina to its third NCAA Division I crown in May. “Their schemes and their tactical abilities are very good. We had to come out, we couldn’t sit back, and we had to be dominant. So it’s not a given. It’s a three-goal win.”
U.S. coach Jenny Levy
Individual Efforts:
Midfielder Ally Mastroianni set the tournament record for draw controls with 38, shattering the previous mark of 30 set by teammate and former Maryland midfielder Taylor Cummings (McDonogh) in 2017.
Attacker Kayla Treanor established American career marks in goals with 44 to pass Quinn Carney’s record of 37 in 2001 and 2005 and points with 77 to eclipse Katie Rowan’s mark of 69 in 2009 and 2013. Cummings also set an American all-time record in draw controls with 56 to break Ally Carey’s mark of 44 in 2013 and 2017.
The Canadian Women:
The Canadians with Erica Evans, Dana Dobbie, Aurora Cordingley, Brenna Shanahan, Alie Jimerson, etc., have narrowed the gap between the two nations. It isn’t a foregone conclusion anymore that the U.S. will be victorious. As the skill level keeps developing in the Canadian programs, don’t be surprised if Canada comes home with Gold very soon.
Bronze Medal Match:
For the second straight time, the bronze medal match between Australia and England went to overtime and England once again prevailed in dramatic fashion. Olivia Hompe’s free position goal in the third overtime period gave England an 8-7 victory.
Uganda:
The only blemish to this great display of Women’s Lacrosse, was the denial of visas to the Ugandan Women’s team. For some reason the U.S. government felt they would be a threat to stay after the tournament. The men’s team will be competing in the coming weeks in the U21 World Championships in Limerick, Ireland without a problem.
My hope is that this doesn’t discourage these women from continuing to follow their dreams. This is only a small setback on the road to world acceptance, that these women have worked hard for and deserve.
In Conclusion:
First we witnessed the exceptional NCAA Womens Championships between Boston College and North Carolina. Now we have experienced this spectacular tournament showing the talent throughout the world. Women’s Lacrosse is on the rise rapidly. The sky is the limit for these women, and with the 2028 Olympics set to debut Lacrosse, everyone will be a winner!
Don’t forget to check us out every Sunday night at 9pm (ET)
Gary Groob has been involved with Lacrosse for the majority of his life, whether playing, coaching, or covering the sport for the media.
An avid fan, with a real drive about helping to “grow the game”, Gary became part of podcasts about the game in 2010. Through the podcasts, Mr. Groob was given an opportunity to write about lacrosse, and the rest as they say, is history.
Through many miles (flying and driving) Gary has made inroads with the National Lacrosse League, Major Series Lacrosse League, the Ontario Lacrosse Association, as well as the Arena Lacrosse League, covering the leagues, their teams, and players, working for, and in concert with all of them.
In the year 2020, Mr. Groob was made the media person for the Arena Lacrosse League, voted onto the board of directors of the Brampton Excelsiors Lacrosse Club, as well as being made administrator of the Lacrosse page “Global Lacrosse” with a membership of 9000 members in over 90 Countries. Gary was also made an administrator of Lacrosse History Past Present and Future in 2022.
Mr. Groob co-hosts a weekly Lacrosse show on Spanglish Sports World, and ZingoTV channel 250, as well as writes a weekly lacrosse column for La Portada Canada News (both in print, and online).
Gary also hosts a Lacrosse talk show and podcast for The Edge of Philly Sports Network, seen live Sunday nights at 9pm (ET), and archived on the Edge of Philly YouTube page, as well as Spotify.
Mr. Groob’s other sports interests include Hockey, Football, Boxing, Wrestling, and Baseball, competing competitively in Boxing and Wrestling for many years.
Latest Articles
Evans And Currier Stellar In Lakers Win Over BrooklinLacrosse
Lacrosse Editorial – Bandits Finally Get The Monkey Off Their BacksLacrosse, NLL
Chiefs Dominate ExcelsiorsLacrosse
FERRARA LIFTS CHROME OVER WHIPSNAKESLacrosse, PLL
TIMBERMEN HAND BURRARDS FIRST LOSS OF SEASONLacrosse, WLA
