The United States stayed unbeaten through three games at the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship in Hong Kong, China with a 29-1 win over China on day four.
The United States has wins over Puerto Rico, Germany and now China, and cannot be caught for the top spot in Pool A. The USA has guaranteed its place in the quarterfinals, which begin on Wednesday.
Sunday’s action was more of what the United States has put on display in Hong Kong on a hot and steamy afternoon at Shek Kip Mei Sports Park.
This time, it was Madison Alaimo and Ally Reilly stepping up for the American attack. Alaimo notched three goals and four assists to earn the player of the match award, and Reilly added four goals and three assists.
Emma LoPinto and Madison Taylor continued their dynamic collective run atop the points leaderboard in Hong Kong. LoPinto registered three goals and four assists while Taylor scored four and assisted one.
Maddie Epke won 17 draw controls and Madi Smith won eight. The USA limited China to four shots throughout the game.
Teagan Tianqin Ng scored China’s lone goal in the fourth quarter.
The United States is vying with Canada and Australia for the top overall seeds in the playoff bracket, and has one game remaining against Israel on Tuesday.
So far, the United States has conceded five goals, while Canada has conceded six and Australia 16 – after goal difference, which is capped at 12 per game, the next tiebreaker in seeding is goals allowed. Canada’s last game is against Korea.
China is set up for a photo finish in Pool A with a game against Puerto Rico on Monday, with the winner preserving a one-loss record in the pool that is likely required for a playoff spot.
