ASHKELON, ISRAEL — Israel Lacrosse has announced their 18-player roster for the Israel women’s national team which will compete at the 2015 ELF European Lacrosse Championships, held at Sportovní Centrum in Nymburk, Czech Republic, from August 6-15.
The team’s roster is composed of entirely Israel-based players, per National Association policy for European competition, as well as in accordance with the rules and regulations of the European Lacrosse Federation (ELF).
The Jewish State’s women are ranked 8th in the world — but are unranked in Europe — as 2015 marks Israel’s debut in a women’s European Championship event, which is now held quadrennially. Israel joins 16 other countries who are vying for a Gold Medal in the small city located on the outskirts of Prague.
The blue-and-white have been drawn into the “group of death” with 5th-ranked Wales (#2 in Europe), 14th-ranked Netherlands (#7 Europe) and newcomer Italy. Israel must finish in the top two in the group to advance to the playoff round.
Tue, Aug 4 at 7:00 PM – Israel vs. Czech Republic (friendly)
Thu, Aug 6 at 1:30 PM – Israel vs. #5 Wales
Fri, Aug 7 at 6:00 PM – Israel vs. Italy
Sun, Aug 9 at 9:00 AM – Israel vs. #14 Netherlands
**Playoffs begin on August 11th
Wales is widely regarded as one of the top teams in Europe, finishing as the second-best European team in both the 2013 FIL Women’s World Cup and the 2012 ELF European Championships. Israel and Wales have never met — but the opening day match is one of the most widely anticipated on the entire schedule.
Italy’s women, who make their international debut against Israel on August 7th, are expected to be strong for a team with newcomer status. The team is coached by UMass’ Angela McMahan, and, while the core of the squad will be Italy-based, a handful of players with strong NCAA experience are expected to lead the Italians in their debut.
Netherlands has never met Israel in an international competition, although the blue-and-white recorded a 12-1 win over the Dutch in a 2013 scrimmage prior to the World Cup. Despite the lopsided result in 2013, the Orange are not to be taken lightly as the second-ranked squad in the group.
In conjunction with the Israel Lacrosse Tzedakah Program, each player will be competing in honor of a charity of their choosing. A portion of the national team’s general fundraising efforts has been committed to each charity.
*Athlete compliant with “split-time” residency which meets Association requirements
Me’et Machleef: Sara Greenberg, Katie Mazer, Ifat Ribon
Head Coach: Kelsey MacDonald
Assistant Coach: Scott Cohen
Athletic Trainer: Hannah Berg