Italy picked up a crucial win on day three of the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship against New Zealand by a 14-12 scoreline.
Italy improved to 2-0 and put itself in a very strong position for one of the two playoff spots available in the pool.
The back-and-forth game was one of the best in Hong Kong so far, as no team led by more than three goals. Italy had a two goal lead at halftime and entering the fourth quarter, but New Zealand had a strong final push.
The Kiwis cut the deficit to one a minute into the fourth quarter, and after Italy answered just over a minute later, New Zealand summoned a special effort to tie the game with just under nine minutes to play with goals from Gemma McCall and Sophie Webb.
Italy had the last say with two goals in the next two minutes from Elise Fawcett, whose heroics earned her the player of the match award. Fawcett finished with four goals and two assists.
Italy’s star attackers paved the way to victory with four-point or better outings from Bella Germani, Casey Gilbert and Cristiana Laracca in addition to Fawcett.
Italian goalkeeper Hannah Gilland made two second-half saves.
Sienna Neill and Gemma McCall led the way for New Zealand who nearly pulled off a dramatic comeback. Goalkeeper Sam Crowther made six saves.
Italy is now in the drivers seat for one of the two playoff spots in Pool C with games against Australia and Scotland remaining. The matchup against Australia is set for Sunday.
New Zealand faces a tough road to a playoff spot, but has two more games left to even up its record in pool play. The team faces Mexico tomorrow in an exciting contest.
