UTICA, N.Y. — The United States is headed to the title game of the inaugural World Lacrosse Women’s Box Championship after beating Australia, 26-2, on Friday afternoon at the Utica University Nexus Center. The U.S. will meet the winner of tonight’s game between Canada and the Haudenosaunee on Sunday at 1 p.m. on ESPN2.
Australia come out aggressively on defense and limited the U.S. to just two goals through the first 10 minutes of the game, but the U.S. erupted for five goals over the final five minutes of the first quarter to begin to take control of the game.
U.S. goalie Ingrid Boyum made two saves in the final minute of the first quarter, including one on a breakaway, and then the U.S. defense finished killing off a 5-on-3 power play for Australia that carried over into the second quarter without allowing a shot on goal.
From there, the U.S. offense was powered by some familiar players and themes — Ally Kennedy’s speed, Charlotte North’s relentlessness, Erin Bakes creativity and Melissa Sconone’s sharpshooting and vision.
Kennedy powered the transition game with a team-high seven goals, North added five goals and an assist, Bakes had four goals and an assist, and Sconone had three goals and three assists.
Boyum played the opening 30 minutes of the game and made nine saves, allowing just one power-play goal, to earn the victory. Taylor Moreno came on in the second half and made three saves while giving up just one power-play goal. She also had a pair of assists.
As part of the World Lacrosse championship each team presents the Heart and Spirit Award. Receiving the award for the U.S. squad was Sam Swart. Swart was injured in the U.S. team’s win over the Haudenosaunee on the second night of the tournament. She was presented the award by U.S. captain and her former Syracuse teammate Emily Hawryschuk.
THE HEART & SPIRIT OF LACROSSE ❤️
THE HEART & SPIRIT OF EVERYTHING
✨ SAMMY SWART ✨ pic.twitter.com/PhXKVNMtzc— U.S. Women's National Team (@USAWLax) September 27, 2024
