The Israel women’s national lacrosse team’s dreams of a medal at the FIL 2013 World Cup came to an end on Thursday in a physical match in front of 3,000 fans at Oshawa Civic Recreation Complex.
The blue-and-white hung tough with the FIL 2013 World Cup hosts for 30 minutes, but Canada outscored Israel 10-1 in the second half to prevail 17-5.
Canada jumped out to an early 3-0 lead on a pair of scores from Mandy Friend and a free-position shot by Emily Boissonneault. Israel’s Kim Dubansky answered back with a man-up goal, followed by a score from Sarah Meisenberg.
After the teams traded free position goals, Amanda Schwab buried a pass from Jenna Block with 23 seconds remaining in the half to cut the deficit to 5-4. However, Canada’s Crysti Foote created a final scoring opportunity with seven seconds remaining — on another free position shot — giving the Canadians a 6-4 halftime advantage.
The second half was one to forget for the Israelis; Canada scored nine more goals to take a 15-4 lead before Block’s goal with 6:58 remaining stopped the bleeding.
Dubansky (two goals), Block (one goal, one assist), Meisenberg (one goal, one assist) and Schwab (one goal) were responsible for the Israel scoring. Julia Szafman (60:00, 3 saves, 17 GA) was credited the loss in goal.
Friend (four goals, one assist) was named Player of the Match for Canada. Foote (two goals, one assist), Vanessa Vanderzal (two goals), Dana Dobbie (two goals), Boissonneault (two goals), Brooke Eubanks (one goal, one assist), Kaylin Morissette (one goal, one assist), Katie Guy (one goal), Megan Takacs (one goal) and Lydia Sutton (one goal) cracked the scoresheet for Canada. Katie Donohoe (30:00, 5 saves, 4 GA) and Kristen Hordy (30:00, 1 save, 1 GA) split time in goal; Donohoe was credited the win.
Canada (4-1) meets Australia (3-2) in the World Cup semifinals tomorrow. Israel (5-2) meets Scotland (5-2) tomorrow at 3:00 PM in a game that will count towards final tournament placement.
