World Lacrosse announced the 10 players selected to the World Team at the women’s U20 championship in Hong Kong, China.
- Lydia Colasante, United States, Defender
- Shea Dolce, United States, Goalkeeper
- Kori Edmondson, United States, Defender
- Maddie Epke, United States, Midfielder
- Emma LoPinto, United States, Attacker
- Jami Macdonald, Canada, Attacker
- Avery Morton, Canada, Attacker
- Negai Nakazawa, Japan, Midfield
- Miriam Suares-Jury, Australia, Attack
- Madison Taylor, United States, Attack
LoPinto was named the Most Valuable Player of the championship, and finished with 26 goals and 23 assists for 49 points over seven games, four more points than the next player in the tournament.
Lydia Colasante, United States
Colasante’s speed and versatility helped her shine as one of the best defenders in the championship, contributing to the United States’ top scoring defense. Colasante finished with 10 ground balls and seven caused turnovers, and helped limit top teams Australia and Canada to limited attacking outputs.
Shea Dolce, United States
Dolce backstopped the impressive United States defense with key saves early in games to keep the team’s momentum rolling, and was instrumental in organizing the ball movement and defensive scheme of the team.
Kori Edmondson, United States
Edmondson did her part as a foundational player anchoring the United States’ top ranked scoring defense. She finished with four caused turnovers and 12 ground balls, and added three goals and two assists as well. She helped the United States’ aggressive defensive scheme suffocate opposing teams throughout the championship.
Maddie Epke, United States
Epke was the best midfielder on draw controls in the championship, which played a significant role in the United States’ unparalleled ball control. She finished with an astounding 82% win rate, winning 155 of 188 draws and corralling 110 of them herself. Up against Canada’s star midfielder on the draw in the gold medal match, Epke left no doubt with a 14 of 18 clip.
Emma LoPinto
In a championship full of attacking stars, and on a team surrounded by superstars, LoPinto still eclipsed the field as the best player in Hong Kong. Her 49-point output came on 26 goals and 23 assists, with the latter easily claiming the top spot on the assist leaderboard. Her creativity and playmaking was at the heart of the United States’ well-oiled machine.
Jami Macdonald, Canada
Macdonald shined the brightest on Canada’s potent attack with 25 goals and 10 assists over seven games, including three goals in the gold medal match as well as five goals and two assists in the semifinal win over Japan.
Avery Morton, Canada
Avery Morton impressed for Canada’s attack with 19 goals and nine assists, including three goals in the gold medal game.
Negai Nakazawa, Japan
Negai Nakazawa shined as a do-it-all midfielder in Japan’s historic run to the bronze medal. She tallied nine ground balls, six caused turnovers, and 12 draw control collections. She added nine goals and three assists including three key finishes in the bronze medal match.
Miriam Suares-Jury, Australia
Miriam Suares-Jury was at the heart of Australia’s run to the semifinals in Hong Kong. She scored 18 goals and added two assists, as well as eight ground balls, four caused turnovers and 27 collections of draw controls. Suares-Jury scored three goals in the bronze medal match against Japan and two goals in the quarterfinal against Wales.
Madison Taylor, United States
Taylor was unstoppable for the United States throughout the championship, finishing with 35 goals and 10 assists and the second-highest point total in Hong Kong. She led the team with seven points in the gold medal match.
