June 27, 2009

PRAGUE, Czech Republic -- The United States defeated Australia, 8-7, in the final game of the 2009 Federation of International Lacrosse World Cup. This is the sixth time that the U.S. has won the World Cup, and the fourth time they have defeated the Australians in the final. The victory also serves as redemption following a 14-7 loss to the Aussies in the final of the 2005 World Cup.

A handful of former Wildcats played key roles in helping Team USA to the gold medal. Kristen Kjellman ('06) had a goal and an assist in the victory, while Sarah Albrecht ('06) and current assistant coach Lindsey Munday ('07) each tallied a goal for the U.S. Hannah Nielsen ('09) had a goal and an assist for Australia in defeat.

The Australians struck first when Melissa Williams (2g) caught a feed from Jen Adams (1g, 2a) at 25:49. The United States responded as the first half went back and forth between the two teams, with three ties and two lead changes, ending with a 3-3 tie at the break.

Team USA came out swinging in the second half, however, with five unanswered goals, creating the largest lead of the game. Australia would re-gain momentum at 4:53 when U.S. goalie Devon Wills received a yellow card for a push on Australian attacker Marlee Paton (1g). Melissa Williams scored on an open net on the subsequent free position attempt to narrow the gap to 8-5.

Australia rallied back with another goal to make it 8-6. Then, with just under two-minutes in the game, Heather Williams scored her second to create a one-goal game. The U.S., however, maintained possession for the next minute, running the clock down to preserve the win.

Team USA goalie Devon Wills made seven saves and had three ground balls to earn Player of the Match honors. Caroline Cryer led the U.S. in scoring with three goals. The Wildcat quartet was also named to the FIL All-World Team following the championship game.

After a grueling two weeks of World Cup play, U.S. won the gold, Australia the silver and Canada the bronze.

The FIL World Cup takes place every four years. In 2005, when the championships were held in Annapolis, Md., Australia took home the gold, leaving the U.S. with the silver. Team USA is now the six-time World Cup champions (1982, 1989, 1993, 1997, 2001, 2009).

BOX SCORE
USA: Caroline Cryer (3g); Kristen Kjellman (1g, 1a); Sarah Albrecht (1g); Sarah Bullard (1g); Lindsey Munday (1g); Michele DeJuliis (1g); Caitlyn McFadden (2a); Katie Rowan (1a). Devon Wills (7 saves). Megan Huether (1 save).

AUSTRALIA: Jen Adams (1g, 2a); Melissa Williams (2g); Hannah Nielsen (1g, 1a); Stacey Morlang (1g); Courtney Inge (1g); Marlee Paton (1g). Sue McSolvin (8 saves).

FINAL STANDINGS
1. USA
2. Australia
3. Canada
4. England
5. Ireland
6. Wales
7. Japan
8. Scotland
9. Czech Republic
10. Germany
11. Haudenosaunee
12. New Zealand
13. Netherlands
14. Austria
15. Denmark
16. South Korea

US Lacrosse contributed to this report. Photos and final standings of the 2009 FIL World Cup will be posted once they are available.

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