RA’ANANA, ISRAEL — Batel Elkalay scored three goals and one assist to lead Ashkelon LC past the Maccabi USA Jr. Team, 10-6, in an exhibition match at Ra’anana Synthetic on Friday morning.
Elkalay, a 16-year-old midfielder who hails from Ashdod, is expected to be a leader for Team Israel in the upcoming Maccabiah Games, which kick off on July 5th with Israel hosting the United States at Shapira Field in Netanya.
Ariella Lerner led the American side with four goals, while Jori Balsam added one goal and one assist. Team USA is currently touring the country and training in preparation for the Maccabiah’s first-ever lacrosse event.
Although Ashkelon never trailed, Friday’s friendly was tight from start to finish. It was not until McKenzie Scott’s goal with 2:36 remaining that Ashkelon held a four-goal lead, with the “Fighting Alephs” holding a one or two-goal lead for most of the match.
Chasia Warshow (two goals, two assists), Sarah Utting (two goals, one assist) and Scott (two goals, one assist) also had big days for Ashkelon.
With the exhibition win, Ashkelon has won two straight heading into the final day of IPLL competition on Tuesday. They will need to secure wins in both games of their doubleheader to clinch the inaugural WIPLL Championship.
