UTICA, N.Y. — The first official game for the U.S. Women’s Box Lacrosse National Team had a familiar result for a country that has been highly successful in international competition. The U.S. women downed the Netherlands 32-3 in the opening day of action from the inaugural World Lacrosse Women’s Box Championship at the Adirondack Bank Center at the Utica Memorial Auditorium.
The U.S. battled some early nerves, but had moved out to a 7-1 lead after the first quarter and then broke things open with a dominant second quarter, outscoring the Dutch 12-0 in the quarter.
Melissa Sconone had a game-high eight points (5g, 3a) to pace the U.S. offense, which saw 14 different players score a goal and 17 players register at least one point. Erin Bakes added seven points (4g, 3a) and the U.S. got five points each from Charlotte North (5g), Ally Kennedy (3g, 2a) and Sam Swart (2g, 3a).
Ingrid Boyum got the start in goal and made six goals while allowing just one goal in 30 minutes of play. Taylor Moreno came on in the second half and made seven saves to bring home the victory.
In the other women’s games on Friday, Canada opened the tournament with a convincing 31-0 victory over Finland, Germany rallied past Ireland 14-13 and England defeated Hong Kong, China 15-9.
The U.S. returns to action on Saturday evening, playing the Haudenosaunee at 7 pm at the Adirondack Bank Center.
