Japan closed the entirety of pool play action at the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship with a win over the host Hong Kong, China to secure its spot in the playoffs.
Japan finished 3-1 in Pool D with wins over England, Hong Kong and Jamaica, and claimed the top spot in the group. Japan will be the No. 4 seed overall in the quarterfinals, which begin on Wednesday.
As the bracket shakes out, Japan will face England in the quarterfinals in a rematch of their scintillating pool play clash. That game is set for 1:30 p.m. HKT at Hong Kong Football Club Stadium.
Japan left no doubt on Tuesday on an extremely rainy afternoon at Hong Kong Football Club Stadium about its chances. It scored four goals in the opening 10 minutes and raced away to a 17-2 win after a 9-0 second half.
Megan Kitagawa led the attacking effort with six goals and three assists. Miri Akiyama added three goals and an assist while Ayame Mizuno posted one goal and three assists.
Ayano Kamiya and Riho Kasai both won 7 of 10 draw controls
Sophia Chan and Yutong Liu combined to make eight saves for Hong Kong, China. Alicia Ho and Aurora Bolitho each scored a goal.
Hong Kong, China returns to action on Wednesday, when it plays Israel at 2 p.m. HKT at Shek Kip Mei Sports Park,
