KIRYAT GAT, ISRAEL — Herzliya LC’s Sean Wright was named Epoch Offensive Player of the Week and Haifa LC goaltender Ted Bergman was named EL AL Defensive Player of the Week for their performances in Week 3 of the Israel Premier Lacrosse League (IPLL).
Wright led Herzliya offensively in the team’s thrilling 14-12 win over Ashdod on Wednesday, as well as the decisive 12-4 victory over Kiryat Gat on Thursday night. He combined for seven goals and two assists in the two wins. The 6-7, 200-pound product is a 2014 graduate of Providence College — where he scored 87 career goals — including 41 in his Junior season alone. Wright relently relocated to Cyprus, where he works with PeacePlayers International to bring together Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot youth to play, learn and build positive relationships that overcome generations of mistrust and formidable physical barriers to interaction.
Bergman, who was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2015, made 13 saves and allowed just seven goals in Haifa’s playoff-clinching 12-7 win over Barak Netanya on Sunday. On Thursday, Bergman stood on his head with 19 saves, allowing nine goals in a 9-8 setback to Ashkelon. His ability to spark the team in the cage and out of it is a game-changer for Haifa.
The IPLL playoffs kick off on Tuesday when Haifa (3-2) takes on top-seeded Be’er Sheva (4-1) at Wolfson Fields in Tel Aviv. Wright and Herzliya (3-2) will meet Kiryat Gat (0-5) in the consolation semifinals. All eight teams are in action on Tuesday.