Motivated Masera Ignites U.S. Offense in World Games Opener

CHENGDU, China — Ellie Masera will never forget where she stood and how she felt on July 16, 2022 — the site of one of the most gut-wrenching losses in her lacrosse career.

Masera and the rest of the U.S. Women’s Sixes roster watched on with sunken expressions as the Canadian anthem played at PNC Field on the campus of the University of Alabama-Birmingham. The U.S. had fallen in the World Games championship game — just the third time since 2000 that it failed to win the gold medal in a women’s lacrosse competition.

Then a junior at Stony Brook, Masera had just begun to establish herself as one of the most dangerous offensive players in the country and finished as the U.S.’s second leading scorer. The loss to Canada, though, was like gas on the flame that ignited Masera’s U.S. Women’s National Team aspirations.

“I don't think you lose that,” Masera said of the pain of the defeat. “That was not the USA standard that we set. That sting stays with you and motivates you throughout your entire journey.”

Over the last three years, Masera has continued her ascent in women’s lacrosse, finishing her Stony Brook career as a three-time All-American and graduating to professional lacrosse with Athletes Unlimited and the Women’s Lacrosse League.

Masera, though, knew there was unfinished business. She wanted an opportunity to avenge the World Games loss to Canada.

“I pushed myself in every workout, every day to be on the next team to get that chance,” Masera said. “We wanted to come back for vengeance.”

Masera got the news she was hoping for in mid-July, when U.S. Women’s Sixes coach Lindsey Munday told her she had been added to the 12-player roster headed to Chengdu, China, for The World Games.

Amidst a morning rain shower, Masera picked up right where she left off, leading the U.S. with nine points on six goals and three assists in a 32-11 win over Ireland. She darted across the field for four quarters, presenting problems for Ireland in transition and set offense.

She scored a goal and added an assist in an 8-0 run that kickstarted a high-powered offensive day for the U.S.

“She just gives us a spark,” Munday said. “She makes these plays that make the highlights, but she does it with ease. She can change the course of the game.”

The U.S. dominated the Irish defense throughout the game, pouring 52 shots on goal and scoring on over 60 percent of them, many coming in transition.

Masera, who stands at 5-foot-3, was a key component of the U.S. transition game along with her former Stony Brook teammate, Ally Kennedy.

“It’s always fun to have a Seawolf connection on the field with me,” Kennedy said. “Ellie is a goal scorer and is constantly looking to push in any way she can.”

As Tewaaraton winners like Sam Apuzzo, Charlotte North, Izzy Scane and Chloe Humphrey put their talents on display, Masera fit in seamlessly. The roster and the location are very much different than the last time she competed at The World Games.

Masera said she, too, has evolved since the summer of 2022 — improving her fitness and building a strong support system as she entered the professional lacrosse ranks.

However, despite being three years and some 8,000 miles removed from the experience, Masera is determined to keep the 2022 U.S. Women’s Sixes close to mind as she chases gold.

“The Birmingham team, they’re part of this journey,” she said. “I’m fortunate enough to be on both teams, but I wouldn’t be here without that team. I’m grateful for them today.”