OSHAWA, Ontario – For the ninth consecutive time since the Federation of International Lacrosse Women’s Lacrosse World Cup began in 1982, Australia is taking home a medal –  its first bronze since the 1993 games.

After ending pool play with a 2-2 record, Australia entered the Championship Bracket a No. 3 seed. In the quarterfinals, Australia easily took down Scotland 26-2. In a rematch with the host team in the semifinals, Australia suffered only its second ever loss to Canada at the World Cup. With the loss behind them, Australia was determined to keep its medal-winning streak alive and was victorious in the bronze medal game, defeating England 12-6.

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University of Colorado assistant lacrosse coach Hannah Nielsen has now won one of each medal in her three World Cup appearances with the Australian National Team. The Adelaide, Australia native has also earned a spot on the All-World Team at back-to-back Cups. In 2005, Nielsen scored a key goal to push Australia over the United States in the Gold Medal game. In 2009, she led the team with 12 goals and 13 assists as the Aussies fell by a single goal to the U.S. in the title game. In the 2013 games, she led the team with 24 total points, including 10 goals and 12 assists.

“I am so proud of Hannah and all she has accomplished not only in this last World Cup, but her entire lacrosse career,” CU head lacrosse coach Ann Elliott said. “To be able to play in the World Cup and represent your home country is such an incredible honor and one I know Hannah cherishes and works extremely hard for. This particular World Cup was a difficult one for Hannah as their team had to overcome the loss of one of their leaders, Jen Adams, to an ACL tear right before the tournament started. However, to watch Hannah battle through that and step up to help lead her team to the bronze medal and making the All-World Team was extremely special and I could not be more proud of all she has worked for and achieved.”

Quarterfinals (Thursday, July 18): Australia allowed just two goals against Scotland to advance to the semifinals. The No. 3 seeded Aussies stomped No. 11 seed Scotland 26-2 in the highest scoring game of the first two rounds of the Championship Bracket. Australia came out on a 9-0 run, not allowing a Scottish goal until nearly the halfway point in the first half. Scotland would not score again until the final 15 seconds of the match. Australia outshot Scotland 38-6 and forced 24 Scottish turnovers. Nielsen scored two goals and contributed a game-high four assists in the win.

Semifinals (Friday, July 19): Host team Canada marked several firsts during the 2013 World Cup. They earned their first ever win against Australia in World Cup play with a 13-12 pool play victory. In the teams’ rematch in the semifinals, Canada picked up its second, downing Australia 11-7 to advance to its first final. Just as she did in their first match-up, Nielsen tied for a team-high in scoring, netting two goals and contributing an assist. Canada dominated the offense, outshooting Australia 21-9 in the first-half alone on their way to 34 total shots, compared to the Aussies’ 28. Australia never had the lead, but Nielsen helped them get back within two late in the first half, and kept the match competitive by scoring Australia’s final two goals.

Bronze Medal Game (Saturday, July 20): Though they fell behind early against England as Sarah Taylor gave the Brits two quick goals, Australia was not content in going home empty handed. The Aussies claimed the bronze medal with a definitive 12-6 win over England. Australia led England 13-7 in both draw controls and ground balls. Nielsen tied for game-high scoring with four goals and one assist. Her first goal of the game helped the Aussies to a 4-3 lead. Her next came off a free position shot in the final minutes of the first half to help Australia take an 8-4 lead into halftime. She got the Aussies on the board again in the first 40 seconds of the second half and again with 11:19 remaining.

CU lacrosse coach Elliott was in attendance for the final three days of the tournament to support Nielsen and three other former Northwestern teammates that represented the USA.

“The World Cup is an amazing event that this year brought together 19 countries,” Elliott said. “The growth of our sport continues to amaze me.”

Australia continues to be a dominant force in women’s lacrosse, having won gold medals in 1986 and 2005 and earning four silver (1982, 1997, 2001 and 2009) and three bronze (1989, 1993 and 2013) medals. With a 19-5 championship victory this year, rival United States won its second straight and seventh overall World Cup title. In its first ever title game, Canada capped its most successful World Cup tournament with a silver medal.

About the FIL
The Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) is the international governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. The FIL currently has 45 member nations and sanctions five World Championships (women’s and men’s field, women’s and men’s U19 field and men’s indoor.) The FIL is responsible for the governance and integrity of all forms of lacrosse and provides responsive and effective leadership to support the sports’ development throughout the world.

All-World Team

Attack
Katrina Dowd – United States
Lindsey Munday – United States
Katie Rowan – United States
Dana Dobbie – Canada

Midfield
Laura Merrifield – England
Hannah Nielsen – Australia
Sarah Albrecht – United States
Stacey Morlang Sullivan – Australia

Defense
Amber Falcone – United States
Katie Guy – Canada
Alicia Wickens – Australia

Goalkeeper
Devon Wills – United States

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Marlee Horn
Graduate Assistant SID
University of Colorado
O: 303.492.7525 C: 719.821.0689
marlee.horn@colorado.edu
CUBuffs.com

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