West Hartford goalie to play for Israel in World Cup

Julia Szafman, a 2009 graduate of Hall High School and former goalie for the Hall girls lacrosse team, will represent Israel in the 2013 Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL) Women’s World Cup near Toronto, Ontario July 10 - 20.  Szafman was the only goalie chosen for the 20-player roster for Israel’s first national women’s lacrosse team.  She discovered her love for the sport while learning to play in the West Hartford Lacrosse League beginning in fifth grade.

Szafman recently graduated from Dartmouth College, where she played for the women’s lacrosse team for four years, and is now in Israel training with the newly formed team.  “My Jewish identity and heritage have always been a very important part of my life, so I couldn’t be more proud to have the opportunity to represent Israel while playing the sport I love,” she said.  The team is coached by Lauren Norris, who is also the head coach for High Point University in North Carolina.

Nineteen teams from around the world will gather for the World Cup in Canada.  Israel’s inaugural World Cup match will be tough, as they are scheduled to open against No. 10 Germany at 12:30 on July 11 before meeting No. 8 Scotland at 12:30 on July 12.  After a day off, they will wrap up pool play against No. 16 South Korea. at 11:30 on July 14.  Two wins will guarantee an appearance in the 12-team play-off.  “Crossover” matches against Hong Kong and No. 7 Japan on July 15 and16, respectively, will determine seeding and serve as tiebreakers if necessary.  All games will be webcast at the cost of $5 per game or $75 for all 73 games.  Please refer to the FIL website at http://www.2013worldlacrosse.com/ for further information.