Israel’s women’s lacrosse team continued its remarkable run at the World Championship on Tuesday, advancing to the semifinals with a dramatic 12-11 victory over fourth-ranked Australia in the quarterfinals.
The Israelis improved to a perfect 4-0 at the tournament, adding the upset win over Australia to an impressive group-stage campaign in which they topped their pool with victories over the Philippines, the Czech Republic and host nation Japan.
The blue-and-white will now face world No. 1 United States in Friday’s semifinal, needing one more victory to book a historic place in the World Championship final.
The result is another major milestone for an Israeli program that has rapidly established itself among the sport’s elite. Fresh off winning the European Box Lacrosse Championship in the Czech Republic, Israel has now carried that momentum onto the world stage and is just one win away from competing for the biggest title in international lacrosse.
Believing in their strength as a team
“The pride these players give us is impossible to describe,” said Israel Lacrosse CEO and delegation head Ian Kadish. “The composure they show, regardless of the score, what is happening on the field or any officiating decisions, has been incredible. Throughout the tournament they have never stopped believing in themselves, believing in their strength as a team, trusting one another and knowing they can overcome any obstacle. We are thrilled to have reached the semifinals.”
Arik Kaplan, President and CEO of Ayelet, the umbrella organization for Israel’s non-Olympic sports federations, praised the team’s achievement after defeating one of the tournament favorites.
“This is a tremendous victory for a team that continues to break barriers and prove it belongs among the best in the world,” Kaplan said. “The players showed tremendous character, determination and outstanding Israeli spirit against one of the strongest teams in international lacrosse. After winning the European Championship, they are now just one victory away from the World final. We are all incredibly proud of them and believe this historic journey is far from over.”
Israel will now turn its attention to Friday’s showdown against the United States with a place in the final on the line.