The United States completed one of the most dominant runs in international lacrosse history by defeating Canada 23-6 in the gold medal game at the 2024 Women’s U20 Lacrosse World Championship in Hong Kong, China. It was the sixth time in eight tries that the United States won the gold medal at the women’s junior level. The United States scored 211 more points than its opponents and won all seven games in the tournament.

In Saturday’s championship game, the USA outscored Canada 7-0 in the first period to take early control. Canada’s Avery Morton opened the second period with a goal, but the USA responded with four straight goals before Morton scored a second late in the period. Kate Levy closed the first period with a goal with 17 seconds left to give the USA a 12-2 lead at halftime.

Canada scored three points in the third quarter but was never able to get the game back into single digits and the USA pulled away in the final quarter.

IT’S OVER! IT’S OVER! 🥇

WORLD CHAMPION.

THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IS BACK ON TOP. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/JFTrPyE18D

— US Women’s National Team (@USAWLax) 24 August 2024

Madison Taylor, who contributed to the strong start with two goals in the first quarter, was the driving force of the U.S. offense with six goals and two assists. Emma LoPinto contributed five points with two goals and three assists, and Madison Alaimo and Kate Levy each contributed a hat trick.

Shea Dolce made two key saves for the USA in the first quarter and was almost through before Francesca Argentieri sealed the win. The US defense forced Canada into 16 turnovers and Brigid Duffy caused two turnovers.

Maddie Epke won 14 of 18 ties in the game, scoring eight of them herself, and was named Player of the Game.

It’s GOLD again for the USA! 🥇🇺🇸#WLWU20C | #HongKong2024 pic.twitter.com/1Xf5BTflvj

— World Lacrosse (@WorldLacrosse) 24 August 2024

On the way to the championship, the USA broke numerous team records:

• LoPinto was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player after scoring 49 points on 26 goals and 23 assists, breaking Kristen Waagbo’s record of 44 points set in 2003.
• Taylor scored 35 goals, breaking Waagbo’s record of 29 goals set in 2003.
• Alaimo had 25 assists, breaking Caitlyn Wurzburger’s record of 19 set in 2019.
• Epke had 110 draw controls, breaking Maddie Jenner’s record of 61 set in 2019.
• Argentieri posted a goals-against average of 2.24, surpassing Emily Geary’s record of 2.67 set in 2007.

Japan previously beat Australia 14-5 to win its first medal at a lacrosse world championship. Japan’s men’s team won bronze at the 2022 World Games, but that event is hosted by the International World Games Association, not World Lacrosse.

The USA led the All-World selection with six of the ten players honored. The complete All-World team:

Lydia Colasante, USA
Shea Dolce, USA
Kori Edmondson, USA
Maddie Epke, USA
Emma LoPinto, USA
Jami Macdonald, Canada
Avery Morton, Canada
Negai Nakazawa, Japan
Miriam Suares-Juery, Australia
Megan Taylor, USA