Key Takeaways
- The United States posted a dominant 23‑4 quarterfinal win over Puerto Rico, opening the game with eight unanswered goals.
- Canada edged host Japan 5‑4 in overtime, with Aurora Cordingley scoring the decisive goal.
- The Haudenosaunee Nationals rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat England 10‑9 on a last‑second goal by Avery Doran.
- Israel upset two‑time champion Australia 12‑11, powered by four goals from Hanna Hilcoff.
- The U.S. extended its unbeaten streak in senior world championship play to 34 consecutive games.
- Upcoming semifinals: Canada versus Haudenosaunee Nationals at 4 p.m. local time, and the United States versus Israel at 7 p.m. local time.
Tournament Overview
On a day marked by several surprising results at the Nissin Foods World Lacrosse Women’s Championship in Tokyo, the tournament’s quarterfinal round delivered a blend of high‑scoring affairs and dramatic finishes. While the United States cruised to a comfortable victory, other matches produced tightly contested games that went down to the final seconds. The action set the stage for a highly anticipated semifinals slate, featuring both traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders.
Canada’s Overtime Thriller
Canada managed a narrow 5‑4 overtime victory over Japan, the host nation’s silver‑medal performance from the previous three world championships not enough to secure the win. The game remained tightly contested throughout regulation, but Aurora Cordingley’s goal with just a few seconds left in overtime delivered the win for Canada. The result highlighted Japan’s resilience and kept their championship hopes alive, while also showcasing Canada’s composure under pressure.
Haudenosaunee Nationals’ Comeback
The Haudenosaunee Nationals posted an impressive rally to overcome England 10‑9 in a match that swung in the final quarter. After trailing for much of the game, the Nationals surged with four goals in the fourth period, culminating in a game‑tying score that set up Avery Doran’s decisive goal with five seconds remaining on the clock. Doran’s heroics not only secured the win but also marked the first time the Haudenosaunee Nationals have reached a semifinal in the tournament’s history, underscoring the growing competitiveness of the sport.
Israel’s Victory Over Australia
Israel continued its impressive run by defeating two‑time world champion Australia 12‑11 in a tightly fought contest. Hanna Hilcoff was the standout performer, contributing four goals to Israel’s total and helping to fend off a late Australian surge. The win represented a significant upset and secured Israel’s spot in the semifinals for the first time at this level of competition, reflecting the team’s steady rise on the international stage.
U.S. Dominance in the Quarterfinal
The United States displayed its trademark dominance with a 23‑4 victory over Puerto Rico, opening the scoring with eight consecutive goals that set the tone for the rest of the game. The U.S. squad featured a deep scoring distribution, with 12 different players finding the net across the contest. Key contributors included Emma LoPinto (4 goals, 3 assists) and Sam Apuzzo (4 goals, 1 assist), while Brigid Duffy, Chloe Humphrey, Kenzie Kent, Eliza Osburn, and Madison Taylor each added multiple points.
U.S. Goalie Performance
Between the posts, the United States demonstrated exemplary defensive discipline. Goalies Shea Dolce and Caylee Waters combined for eight saves while conceding only four goals, maintaining a strong defensive posture throughout the match. Their ability to limit Puerto Rico’s scoring opportunities allowed the offense to operate with freedom, reinforcing the team’s overall balance and depth.
Historical Context of the U.S. Streak
The United States’ 23‑4 win extended its remarkable streak of 34 consecutive games in world championship play at the senior women’s level, a run that dates back to a victory over England in the opening match of the 2009 tournament in the Czech Republic. This consistency underscores the U.S.’s perennial status as a powerhouse in international lacrosse and sets a high expectations bar for every future appearance.
Upcoming Semifinal Match‑up Between the U.S. and Israel
Looking ahead, the United States will meet Israel in the second semifinal scheduled for Friday at 7 p.m. local time. This will mark only the second encounter between the two nations in senior women’s field lacrosse at the world championship level; their previous meeting occurred in the 2017 final, where the U.S. posted a 20‑3 victory. Both teams entered the semifinals with strong performances, promising a competitive and potentially historic clash.
Semifinal Schedule and Times
The semifinal fixtures are set for Friday, with Canada taking on the Haudenosaunee Nationals at 4 p.m. local time, followed by the United States versus Israel at 7 p.m. local time. These matchups will determine the finalists and ultimately the champions of the 2025 Nissin Foods World Lacrosse Women’s Championship, with the outcomes poised to influence the sport’s global landscape significantly.