NYMBURK, CZECH REPUBLIC — The Israel women’s national team defeated Netherlands, 18-3, at Sportovní Centrum on Sunday to secure a berth in the quarterfinals of the 2015 European Championships.
The blue-and-white will meet 4th-ranked Germany at 4:00 PM Israel time / 9:00 AM ET on Wednesday. The game will be streamed live, free of charge, at www.ec15lax.com. The winner advances to the semifinals on Friday.
Both teams are undefeated, with Israel (2-0-1) earning wins over the Dutch and Italy, and drawing with Wales, while Germany (4-0) has rolled their competition, topping Switzerland, Spain, Latvia and Sweden by a combined score of 68-6.
Israel/Netherlands recap
Written by Megan Meluskey
Early Sunday in Nymburk, the Israelis outplayed an athletic Netherlands squad 18-3. As the Israelis took the field in their final regular pool game of the tournament, they wanted to make a strong statement about lacrosse in Israel and Israel’s future as competitors in international lacrosse.
The scoring was opened early on after the opening draw. Although Israel lost the first draw to the Dutch, their strong and disciplined defense allowed them to cause the Netherlands their first turnover of the game. After the ball was lost by Israel’s opponents in orange near the restraining line, Leah Sherman scooped up the lose ball and darted off to her goal to open the scoring for the Israelis. The goal was Sherman’s first of three against the Netherlands.
Today’s goals were scored by Courtney Miller (4), Amanda Tuck (4), Hannah Deoul, Jessica Rothstein (2), Halsy Diakow (2), Sophia Rosetti and Kimberly Dubansky. The assists were added by Sarah Meisenberg, Sarah Greenberg, Diakow (2), Rothstein (2) and Dubansky.
As the Dutch were able to acclimate to the Israelis tough pressure, they scored two quick goals late in the first half, and once in the second; all of the goals came off of assisted plays.
Julia Szafman (60:00, 2 saves, 3 GA) earned the win in goal.
Additional caps – Emily Brodsky, Hannah Epstein, Marlee Galper, Ifat Ribon, Ellie Rosenblum, Taylor Roy
Mon, Aug 3 – Israel vs. #10 Ireland (friendly; W, 10-2)
Tue, Aug 4 – Israel vs. Czech Republic (friendly; W, 10-5)
Thu, Aug 6 – Israel vs. #5 Wales (pool play; T, 9-9) – Video
Fri, Aug 7 – Israel vs. Italy (pool play; W, 12-8) – Video
Sun, Aug 9 – Israel vs. #14 Netherlands (pool play; W, 18-3) – Video
Wed, Aug 12 at 3:00 PM – Israel vs #12 Germany (Quarterfinals)