The World Lacrosse Women’s Championship came to a close on Sunday, bringing an end to 10 days of competition in the preeminent women’s international lacrosse tournament. This year’s edition took place in Tokyo, with a handful of former Syracuse players taking the field for some of the best teams in the world.
The undisputed best team was the United States, who romped to their fifth consecutive World Championship and 10th overall in 12 tournaments. Team USA won all six of their games, beating every
opponent by at least 12 goals for a total goal differential of a whopping 118-27.
‘Cuse played a role in that absolute domination as Emma Muchnick ‘26 and Katie Goodale ‘24 were both members of Team USA’s roster and are returning home with gold medals around their necks. For the tourney, Emma scored four goals (on just five shots) with two assists, while Katie helped anchor a defense that held opponents to a paltry 4.5 goals per game.
The Americans finished off their masterclass on Sunday with a statement, 16-4 win over Team Canada in the championship game that doubled as their 36th consecutive win.
Over on the short side of that matchup, another pair of former Orange teammates will bring home silver as Maddy Baxter ‘24 and Biance Chevarie ‘23 helped the Canadians to the title game. Maddy finished with nine goals and two assists while Bianca was a part of a defense that gave up just 6.2 goals per game, including five goals or fewer in four of their six matches.
The third place game was played between two teams that both featured ‘Cuse alumni in Israel and the Haudenosaunee National Team. Shira Parower ‘25 helped Israel take the bronze with a 7-4 win, their first medal in tournament history. She tallied three goals in the event.
Three former Orange competed for the Haudenosaunee. Jalyn Jimerson ‘22 scored nine goals, while Sierra Cockerille ‘22 put up seven. Alie Jimerson ‘18 was also a member of the team as the trio helped lead the Haudenosaunee to their best finish ever at the World Championship.
Current player Grace McHugh ‘28 also played as a member of Team Ireland, whose coaching staff also featured current assistant coach Nicole Levy in the same role. Grace helped Ireland to an 11th place finish, accumulating four goals and three assists along the way.
Congratulations to Emma and Katie on winning gold, and to all our ‘Cuse alumni on participating in the biggest tournament in the sport!
