Mexico came back from a fourth-quarter deficit to stun Italy, 8-5, on day four of the 2022 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship.
Mexico entered the event seeded 20th and Italy was seeded 11th. Mexico stayed undefeated with a 2-0 record and vaulted into second place in Pool F. The top two teams from Pools B through F earn a berth in the championship bracket to decide the top 16 finishers, while only one third place team from those pools receives a spot in the championship bracket.
Both teams traded blows in a back and forth affair that stood at 4-4 heading into the fourth quarter. Italy took a lead with a woman-advantage with the fourth goal of the day from Stephanie Colson, the tournament’s current top scorer.
Mexico roared back with four unanswered goals to close out the game. Isabel Szejk fired a rocket on a free position shot to tie the game, and just over 90 seconds later, Nicole Ortiz put her team into the lead for good.
After a crucial defensive stand up a goal, Mexico put an emphatic bow on their performance with Daniela Eppler Lobato’s third goal with two and a half minutes to play.
Goalkeeper Isabella McCullough played a crucial role in her 30 minutes in net, making eight saves on nine shots on goal. Her save percentage of 82% ranks second among all goalkeepers in Towson.
Mexico has an opportunity to take the lead in Pool F on Sunday, when it faces the Czech Republic, who are also 2-0.
