The United States completed pool play undefeated following a 32-8 victory over Czechia to earn a spot in the semifinal round of the women's lacrosse competition at The World Games in Chengdu, China. The U.S. went 3-0 to capture Group B and will play Japan in the semifinals on Sunday, August 10 at 1 p.m. local (1 a.m. Eastern).
Canada, which beat the U.S. in the gold medal game at the most recent World Games in 2022, won Pool A with a 3-0 record and will meet Australia in the other semifinal.
Czechia goalie Katerina Najemnikova was strong in the early going as the potent U.S. offense got off to a comparatively slow start with just two goals through the first six-plus minutes of the game, but then Chloe Humphrey scored two of the U.S. team's three goals in the final 70 seconds of the first quarter to give the U.S. a 5-2 lead.
Najemnikova made six of her 13 saves in the game in the opening quarter, but the U.S. offense eventually was just too much, matching its tournament high total of 32 goals. In the three pool play games, the U.S. combined for 89 goals in the fast-paced sixes discipline. For comparison’s sake, the U.S. scored just 57 goals in its three pool play victories in 2022 at The World Games in Birmingham, Ala.
Chloe Humphrey, the youngest player on the U.S. roster, had a team-high 11 points on six goals and five assists while U.S. veteran Charlotte North also hit double figures in points with 10 on four goals and six assists. Sam Apuzzo, Ally Kennedy and Marie McCool, all gold medal winners at the 2022 World Lacrosse field championship in Towson, Md., alongside North, each added five goals.
Shea Dolce and Taylor Moreno split halves in goal with each making four saves while allowing four goals.
The semifinal game is available to watch free on World Lacrosse TV.
Day 3 Scores
USA 32, Czechia 8
Canada 25, China 0
Australia 18, Ireland 7
Japan 15, Great Britain 10
