China’s dynamic offense was too much for Ireland to handle in the ninth place match of the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship in a 16-11 win on Friday at Hong Kong Football Club Stadium.
China’s ninth place finish improves on its 14th place showing in its debut in the championship in 2019. It is the best finish by China in any women’s championship and ties its best-ever finish accomplished by the men’s U20 team in 2016 a 14-team field. China’s record was 4-2.
Ireland claimed tenth place with a 4-2 record after a 19th place finish in its first appearance in 2019. The nine-spot improvement is the largest among any teams in the field.
China’s attack on Friday was powered by Teagan Tianqin Ng, who amassed eight goals en-route to a player of the match award. She scored five of China’s first six goals and added her sixth right before halftime as China led 10-4.
In the second half, China kept Ireland at arm’s length despite a run to cut the deficit to three with three minutes left in the third quarter. It was another goal from Ng to stem the tide with to go with a goal earlier in the quarter from Charlotte Liangchu Sawicki.
After restoring the lead to four, China saw out the fourth quarter.
Michelle Yuli Zhai ended the game with one goal and four assists and Sara Junlan Curley added one goal, three assists and 15 draw control wins.
Brigid Welsh and Kendra Harris both totaled five points for Ireland.
For the tournament, Teagan Tianqin Ng shined as one of the brightest stars with 29 goals over six games. Zhai registered nine goals and 13 assists, and China also saw contributions from Lauren Ruilan Lam (14 goals, 5 assists) and Zhai, Curley and Sawicki, each recorded over 10 points.
Jody Qijia Chu made 39 saves for China.
Ireland’s top quartet of attackers all posted over 15 points. Kendra Harris posted 19 goals and eight assists, followed by Ava Connaughton with 15 goals and six assists. Brigid Welch ended with 21 points while Bridget Valentine finished with 17.
Elizabeth Watts led Ireland on the draw with 41 wins, followed by 22 for Jane Howlett. Goalkeeper Stella Quilty made 28 saves.
