NYMBURK, CZECH REPUBLIC — The Israel women’s national team wrapped up their campaign at the 2015 European Championships with a 10-9 nailbiter loss to rival Scotland.
Israel led 7-3 in the first half, but Scotland clawed back to the deficit to 8-6 at halftime. A 45-minute lightning delay couldn’t quash the Scotts momentum, as they opened the second half with a four-goal run to take a 10-8 lead.
Jess Rothstein would score for Israel with just under 10 minutes remaining, and the blue-and-white had several opportunities to tie the game, however, Scotland goalkeeper Emma Wauchope stood tall, denying a shot at the buzzer to secure the Bronze Medal.
Rothstein (four goals, one assist), Amanda Tuck (three goals), Kim Dubansky (one goal), Halsey Diakow (one goal) and Hannah Deoul (one assist) scored for Israel. Julia Szafman (60:00, 6 saves, 10 GA) was dealt the loss in goal.
Jenni Aiton (four goals, one assist), Alisa Stott (one goal, four assists) and Julia Patterson (two goals) led Scotland offensively.
Israel’s women, who were previously unranked in Europe, earned a #4 ranking in their European debut. Two Israelis — Amanda Tuck (16 goals, 5 assists) and Courtney Miller (14 goals, 4 assists) — cracked the top 10 in scoring in Europe, while Jessica Rothstein (13 goals, 3 assists) rounds out the top 20.
The blue-and-white’s womens program, which is only three years old, has a bright future; Israel made their U-19 debut in Edinburgh, Scotland, last month, and a shift to develop U-15 girls teams across the Jewish State is planned for six cities starting in September: Ashdod, Ashkelon, Kiryat Gat, Netanya, Ramla and Tel Aviv.
Additional caps – Emily Brodsky, Hannah Epstein, Marlee Galper, Sarah Greenberg, Sarah Meisenberg, Courtney Miller, Ifat Ribon, Ellie Rosenblum, Sophia Rosetti, Taylor Roy, Leah Sherman
Mon, Aug 3 – Israel vs. #8 Ireland (friendly; W, 10-2)
Tue, Aug 4 – Israel vs. #5 Czech Republic (friendly; W, 10-5)
Thu, Aug 6 – Israel vs. #2 Wales (pool play; T, 9-9) – Video
Fri, Aug 7 – Israel vs. Italy (pool play; W, 12-8) – Video
Sun, Aug 9 – Israel vs. #7 Netherlands (pool play; W, 18-3) – Video
Wed, Aug 12 – Israel vs #4 Germany (quarterfinals; W, 10-5) – Video
Fri, Aug 14 – Israel vs #1 England (semifinals; L, 12-8) – Video
Sat, Aug 15 – Israel vs #3 Scotland (bronze; L, 10-9)