Photo by: USA Lacrosse
U.S. Completes Pool A Play Undefeated, Secures Top Seed
July 4, 2022 | Women's Lacrosse
By Matt DiSilva, USA Lacrosse MagazineÂ
TOWSON, Md. — Four years ago, Jenny Levy nearly lost in her debut as head coach of the U.S. women's national team.
The U.S. trailed then-defending NCAA champion James Madison, 9-8, in the USA Lacrosse Fall Classic on Oct. 6, 2018.
That's when Taylor Cummings took over, scoring four goals and securing 12 draw controls to lead the Americans to a 14-10 victory. Levy thanked Cummings afterward.
Cummings had that look in her eye again Monday.
Facing its stiffest test since opening night against Canada, the U.S. defeated England, 15-9, at Unitas Stadium to complete pool play undefeated and clinch the No. 1 seed in the championship bracket of the World Lacrosse Women's Championship.
Cummings scored three goals — two in high-leverage situations — and anchored a U.S. draw unit that dominated in the second half to earn Player of the Match honors.
The U.S., which has won 26 straight games in world championship play dating back to the 2009, will play Hong Kong in the first round of playoffs Tuesday.
An ironic encounter with mother country on the Fourth of July lived up to the billing, as England erased an early four goal deficit to make it a 7-6 game late in the second quarter. But Cummings found a seam in England's defense, caught a feed from Kylie Ohlmiller on the wing and shoveled it into the goal to put the U.S. back up by two going into halftime.
The momentum carried into the third quarter, as Cummings hit a bounce shot with perfect placement on a free position to give the U.S. an 11-7 lead and chase England goalie Brittany Read.
After a first half in which the teams were tied with eight draws apiece, the U.S. leaned exclusively on Cummings (six draw controls) and Kayla Treanor (three goals, four draw controls) in the second half. They combined to give the U.S. a 10-2 advantage on draw controls in the final 30 minutes. As for the Tar Heels, Marie McCool ('18) had two goals, Ally Mastroianni ('21) had one goal and Caylee Waters ('17) made three saves.
"Older guys will battle a little different," said Levy, who cited inconsistency in how different officials set up and adjudicated the draw. "That's why you have your veterans on the team, to anchor situations to pull you through and settle things down."
Charlotte North wowed again with five goals, including three in the fourth quarter. One came off a box fake that froze England's defense and another a sidearm howitzer off a hitch fake from 10 meters out.
Emma Trenchard, meanwhile, blanketed England's top scorer, Meghan Whittle, who managed just two free-position goals.
"Every little kid watching her play defense should be inspired by what her feet look like, her body positioning. She's not fouling. She's just moving her feet and getting to spaces before her opponent," Levy said. "She can do that to any player in the world."
TOWSON, Md. — Four years ago, Jenny Levy nearly lost in her debut as head coach of the U.S. women's national team.
The U.S. trailed then-defending NCAA champion James Madison, 9-8, in the USA Lacrosse Fall Classic on Oct. 6, 2018.
That's when Taylor Cummings took over, scoring four goals and securing 12 draw controls to lead the Americans to a 14-10 victory. Levy thanked Cummings afterward.
Cummings had that look in her eye again Monday.
Facing its stiffest test since opening night against Canada, the U.S. defeated England, 15-9, at Unitas Stadium to complete pool play undefeated and clinch the No. 1 seed in the championship bracket of the World Lacrosse Women's Championship.
Cummings scored three goals — two in high-leverage situations — and anchored a U.S. draw unit that dominated in the second half to earn Player of the Match honors.
The U.S., which has won 26 straight games in world championship play dating back to the 2009, will play Hong Kong in the first round of playoffs Tuesday.
An ironic encounter with mother country on the Fourth of July lived up to the billing, as England erased an early four goal deficit to make it a 7-6 game late in the second quarter. But Cummings found a seam in England's defense, caught a feed from Kylie Ohlmiller on the wing and shoveled it into the goal to put the U.S. back up by two going into halftime.
The momentum carried into the third quarter, as Cummings hit a bounce shot with perfect placement on a free position to give the U.S. an 11-7 lead and chase England goalie Brittany Read.
After a first half in which the teams were tied with eight draws apiece, the U.S. leaned exclusively on Cummings (six draw controls) and Kayla Treanor (three goals, four draw controls) in the second half. They combined to give the U.S. a 10-2 advantage on draw controls in the final 30 minutes. As for the Tar Heels, Marie McCool ('18) had two goals, Ally Mastroianni ('21) had one goal and Caylee Waters ('17) made three saves.
"Older guys will battle a little different," said Levy, who cited inconsistency in how different officials set up and adjudicated the draw. "That's why you have your veterans on the team, to anchor situations to pull you through and settle things down."
Charlotte North wowed again with five goals, including three in the fourth quarter. One came off a box fake that froze England's defense and another a sidearm howitzer off a hitch fake from 10 meters out.
Emma Trenchard, meanwhile, blanketed England's top scorer, Meghan Whittle, who managed just two free-position goals.
"Every little kid watching her play defense should be inspired by what her feet look like, her body positioning. She's not fouling. She's just moving her feet and getting to spaces before her opponent," Levy said. "She can do that to any player in the world."
Players Mentioned
Midfielder
/ Women's Lacrosse
Defender
/ Women's LacrosseCarolina Insider - Interview with Caleb Wilson (Full Segment) - September 22, 2025
Monday, September 22
UNC Volleyball: Thorpe Sets New Career High in 4-Set Win vs ECU
Sunday, September 21
UNC Field Hockey: Heck's 5 Goals Propel Heels Over Stanford, 8-1
Sunday, September 21
UNC Men's Soccer: Tar Heels Fight for 1-1 Draw vs SMU
Sunday, September 21