BUDAPEST, HUNGARY — The Israel men’s festival team, playing under the “IPLL All-Stars” banner, defeated English-conglomerate-club Oxbridge 5-1 on Monday to win the 2016 European Festival at Szent István University in Budapest, Hungary.
Ashdod’s Noah Hirshorn and Zach Penfil each scored twice, while Be’er Sheva’s Jake Reiner (40:00, 2 saves, 1 GA) earned the win in goal to lead the “festies” to their third win over the English squad.
Barak Netanya’s Jonah Biblowitz added a single, while Be’er Sheva goaltender Jeff Handman picked up a long pole to solidify the All-Stars on the defensive end.
The blue-and-white were a perfect 7-0 over the four-day event, which culminated in Monday’s finale. Israel men’s national team assistant coach Pete Ginnegar steered the Festies from the bench.
The festival also featured developing national teams from Bulgaria and Croatia.
Israel’s roster featured all-stars from the Israel Premier Lacrosse League, including Theodore Bergman (Haifa/2015), Dane Bradley (Ashdod), Ken Donsky (Haifa/2015), Jordan Hirsch (Be’er Sheva), Benjamin Holback (Ashkelon/2015), Logan Kupferman (Barak Netanya), Frantisek Klima (Ashdod), Ian Mills (Kiryat Gat), Nate Rottenstrich (Be’er Sheva) and Sacha Stout (Tel Aviv/2015).
In 2012, Israel’s festival squad ran the table, defeating Global Players in the final in Amsterdam.
The festies also joined the Israel men’s national team for exhibition games against Finland and Norway. The team is expected to join forces with Oxbridge to scrimmage Americas Team and LaxAllStars on Wednesday.