Long Island players lead U.S. women to world lacrosse title

Led by a strong contingent of players from Long Island, the United States completed one of the most dominant runs in international lacrosse history by beating Canada, 23-6, in the gold medal game of the World Lacrosse Women’s U20 Championship in Hong Kong, China on Saturday.

The U.S. finished with a 7-0 record, and outscored its opponents, 211-20, in winning the tournament for the sixth time.

Emma LoPinto, former Manhasset High School player now at Boston College, was named the tournament’s most valuable player. She had two goals and three assists in the championship game and finished with a record 49 points (26 goals, 23 assists) in the seven games for the U.S. The previous mark was 44 points by Kristen Waagbo in 2003.

Madison Taylor (Wantagh and Northwestern University) led the U.S. offense against Canada with six goals and two assists. She finished the tournament with 35 goals, breaking Waagbo’s mark of 29 set in 2003. Teammate Madison Alaimo (Wantagh and Virginia) had three goals and one assist, and finished the tourney with 25 assists, breaking Caitlyn Wurzburger’s record of 19 set in 2019. Allison Reilly (Sayville and Army) also scored a U.S. goal.

LoPinto and Taylor were named to the All-World team.

The Americans took control against Canada early, jumping to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter as Taylor had two goals. The U.S., which forced 16 turnovers, led, 12-2, at the half.

—DAVE WHITEHORN