June 27, 2009

PRAGUE, Czech Republic - Duquesne lacrosse assistant coach Gina Oliver and Team USA fought off a late charge by Australia and held on to capture the 2009 Federation of International Lacrosse World Cup Championship, 8-7, at the SK Slavia Praha Sport Centre in Prague, Czech Republic.

Trailing late in the first half, Duke's Caroline Cryer scored at 1:56 on a assist from Northwestern's Kristen Kjellman to tie the game at 3-3.

The U.S. scored four goals unanswered to begin the second half, with Cryer's third goal of the match extending the lead to 7-3. Australia mounted a comeback, cutting the margin to one on a goal by Melissa Williams (Brighton Lacrosse Club) at the 1:59 mark. Following a save by Dartmouth's Devon Wills, who was out during the Aussie rally, the U.S. was able to run out the clock for the victory.

Oliver, who finished the World Cup with 13 ground balls and 11 caused turnovers, was named to the All-World Team.

The championship is the sixth for the Americans who won gold in 1982, 1989, 1993, 1997 and 2001.