UTICA, N.Y. — A relentless defensive effort led the United States to an 11-4 come-from-behind victory over the Haudenosaunee at the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s Box Championship on Saturday night.
The Haudenosaunee jumped out to a 4-1 lead midway through the second quarter behind the hot goaltending of Chelsea Doolittle. Doolittle made 17 saves in the opening quarter and 33 in the first half. A pair of breakaways by Ally Kennedy in the second quarter cut the Haudenosaunee lead to 4-3 at the half.
The U.S. offense continued to find tough going against Doolittle in the third quarter, but Melissa Sconone finally broke through with an outside shot with 5:42 left in third quarter to tie the game 4-4.
Riley Ewing then buried a shot from the left wing to give the U.S. its first lead of the game with 1:59 to play in the third quarter and a power play goal just over a minute later from Erin Bakes gave the U.S. a 6-4 lead heading into the final quarter.
The U.S. poured it on in the final quarter, outscoring the Haudenosaunee 5-0 in the final 15 minutes.
The U.S. defense was lights out, constantly forcing turnovers and shutting down the Haudenosaunee offense. After giving up a pair of outside goals early, U.S. goalie Ingrid Boyum was dominant. She held the Haudenosaunee to just one goal in the final 53 minutes of the game and none in the final 35 minutes. Boyum finished the game with 28 saves.
Kennedy led the U.S. offense with four goals, Hawryschuk had two goals and Ewing had a goal and two assists.
Trysten Burns led the Haudenosaunee with two goals and Doolittle finished with 54 saves.
The U.S. continues pool play on Sunday against Hong Kong, China at 5:30 p.m.
