Marie McCool, Sam Apuzzo lead USA to World Lacrosse Championship

The United States won the team’s first World Lacrosse championship on home soil Saturday and its ninth overall, downing Canada 11-8 in a rain-soaked final.

Marie McCool and Sam Apuzzo led the charge for the United States, each notching a hat trick to keep in front of Canada. Charlotte North and Taylor Cummings added two goals apiece, while Kayla Treanor found the back of the cage once for Team USA.

The United States jumped to a three-goal lead in the opening frame before Canada came within striking distance, putting the score at 4-2 to end of the first quarter. But Team USA remained in front with a 6-4 advantage at the half despite a pair of goals from Canada’s Maddy Baxter.

The second half brought more of the same for the United States, with the team’s gold medal never appearing to be in jeopardy.

“This group is so talented,” said North, speaking after the game about how much it meant to play with her lacrosse heroes such as Cummings to clinch the United States’ fourth-straight world title.

Rounding out the podium, England took home the bronze medal after defeating Australia in a thrilling triple-overtime contest Saturday.