U.S. Women Keep Rolling Sixes on Day One of 2026 Atlas Cup

The U.S. finished 4-0, with three blowout victories preceding their only real test, a one-goal victory over Canada in the final.

This week’s U.S. roster for the 2026 Atlas Cup may look a bit different from the one that captured gold in Canada, with just four holdovers on the 12-player lineup, but the early results remain consistent.

Friday night, the U.S. women rolled to a 21-5 win over the Haudenosaunee Nationals on the first day of the international event at USA Lacrosse Headquarters in Sparks, Md. The victory extended the U.S. women’s sixes winning streak to 16 games, dating back to 2024.

Contributions came from throughout the lineup, including Sydni Black, who tallied a game-high five goals on five shots in her USA team debut. She scored three of her goals in the first eight minutes as the USA took charge with an 8-1 opening quarter surge.

“This was a surreal moment,” said Black, who has practiced with the U.S. squad but played her first official game. “I stared at the uniform for 30 minutes before putting it on. Dreams come true.”

Black said she took a few minutes during warmups to appreciate the moment.

“I was just looking at everyone around me,” she said. “All these incredible women that are out here that I have looked up to for so many years, and played against and played with, and to know that I’m finally here was amazing.”

Madison Taylor, Eliza Osburn and Ally Mastroianni all added three goals for USA, which finished with a 42-24 advantage in shots. Jenika Cuocco also made her first USA appearance and finished with seven saves while playing the final three quarters.

The Atlas Cup, which continues through Sunday, is USA Lacrosse’s signature fall event and features 12 international games over the three days while showcasing the sixes format of lacrosse that will be utilized at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

In Friday’s earlier game, Canada defeated Ireland 24-5, with Nicole Perroni (six goals) and Erica Evans (five goals) leading the way.

Ireland netted the opening goal just seven seconds into the contest, but Canada answered with nine straight over the next 12 minutes to seize control. 

Canada ranks second to the United States in the World Lacrosse Women’s Sixes ranking, while Ireland is ranked seventh.

This weekend’s event serves as a final tune-up for Ireland prior to the European Sixes Lacrosse Championship Nov. 2-9 in Spain.