In its first game of the women’s U20 championship, Puerto Rico kept Israel at bay in a 15-10 victory in Pool A action in Hong Kong, China.
Puerto Rico opened the game on a 5-0 run keyed by two goals and an assist from Maya Maldonado, but Israel clawed back with four of the next five goals to make it 6-4.
Israel was back within two again at 8-6, but Puerto Rico found an extra gear in the third quarter with a 6-1 run that put the game out of reach.
Hannah Lewis was named the player of the match and finished with four goals, while Maldonado’s final tally came out to four goals and two assists.
Puerto Rico’s defense had a strong game, forcing 10 of Israel’s 23 shots off target.
Racheli Levy-Smith was outstanding on draws for Israel, winning 21 of 28 and collecting 18 controls. Amelia Byerly supplied four goals as well.
Puerto Rico is slated to face the United States on Saturday at 8 p.m. HKT. Israel has a day off before it takes on Germany on Sunday at 2 p.m.
