In the first game of its host campaign at the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship, Hong Kong, China enjoyed a memorable 13-2 win over Jamaica behind an energetic crowd at Mong Kok Stadium.
The game started as a defensive affair with the frenetic energy of the fans seeping into the game, but Hong Kong pulled away goal by goal, with each tally delighting the passionate supporting section.
“It was close, we were definitely a bit nervous,” said Anbie Chan, a midfielder for Hong Kong. “But the second the first goal went in, and then the next two, the momentum started rolling. Everybody was super hyped on the sidelines jumping and screaming. That kept everyone’s energy very high. The crowd was amazing, it shows we’re goring the sport. It brings the team together and tonight really helped with that.”
“It’s basically a dream that I haven’t woken up from and it’s unbelievable to play a world championship in Hong Kong,” said Hong Kong head Coach Gemini Fan. “This is my fifth world championship and they’ve always been in Europe or North America for me. This is the first one in Asia in a while and we have the next three in Asia as well.”
“That is very exciting for Hong Kong lacrosse and for Asian lacrosse, and seeing so many kids and their families and their parents coming out, it’s very inspiring to allow those kids to see, ‘Wow, lacrosse is a very big sport that the players can have this stage to perform on if they keep working hard.'”
Eloise Bolitho had the finishing touch for Hong Kong’s attack with four goals and an assist. Sophie Beane impressed with three goals and an assist and was named player of the match.
Hong Kong controlled the ball throughout the game with an edge on draw control and a 28-10 advantage on shots overall.
Jamaica’s goalkeeper Gabriella Henry starred with 14 saves, making many impressive point blank denials.
Hong Kong has a day off before resuming its Pool D schedule on Saturday against England at 2 p.m. HKT. Jamaica faces England on Friday at 5 p.m.
