The United States rolled to a 33-1 victory over Australia in the first semifinal of the 2024 World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship at Mong Kok Stadium on Thursday to ensure a return to the gold medal game.
The United States has now advanced to the final of the women’s U20 championship in all eight of its editions, and the USA will take aim for its sixth gold in the event on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. HKT against Canada.
Australia, the third seed entering the playoffs, has made the semifinals in every edition of the event, and will fight for the bronze medal against Japan on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. HKT.
So far, the United States has had an extra gear for all of its opponents in its 5-0 campaign in Hong Kong, especially at the start of games, and Thursday was no different on a sweltering afternoon.
The United States scored within 15 seconds, reached the five-goal mark at 5:23 and finished the first quarter up 9-0. Emma LoPinto was danger personified again to lead the standout cast of attackers with four goals in the first quarter.
As usual, the United States was able to seize control of the game with a possession advantage through the draw control, where Maddie Epke excelled. She finished nine of nine on draw control wins in the first quarter.
From there, the USA attack continued its relentless pace en-route to a 19-1 score at halftime, with another 14 goals in the second half.
Haven Dora finished as the player of the match with one goal and six assists, and her shiftiness and vision were on display.
LoPinto posted a monstrous seven goal and three assists, followed by three goals and five assists for Madison Alaimo. Madison Taylor added four goals and one assist – 14 different players appeared on the scoresheet for the Americans.
The United States defense was ruthless when Australia did get possession of the ball, allowing just one shot the entire game and finishing with seven caused turnovers by seven different players.
Natalie Eastwood made 12 saves for Australia and Ocea Leavy scored the team’s goal right before halftime.
