Bunbury’s Rebecca Bowland-Curtis starred for Western Australia’s Women’s lacrosse team earlier this month.
The side took out the championship title at the Singapore Open, defeating Japan 7 to 5 in the final.
The WA team was undefeated throughout the tournament, with the side confident going into the decider.
However, they knew the Japanese team was fast, hard-hitting, and played a physical game.
WA knew it needed to adjust its game structure to suit the tough weather conditions.
The Japanese scored the first goal which was closely followed by one from WA, shot by 14-year-old Holly Plummer.
WA hit the goal post three times, while the Japanese goalie was able to make some big saves.
Bowland-Curtis then shot the next goal for the WA side.
The team took the lead going into the half time break, 3-2, with captain Shendelle Oliver scoring a goal in the final seconds of the first half.
In the second half, WA made changes to their starting line-up, before Melanie Goddard and Olivia Robinson dominated the centre draw.
The team also stepped up its defensive pressure in the midfield and defensive half.
Kerry Allen made some crucial saves for the team and Japan was unable to breakthrough WA’s defence.
Late goals from Robinson and Goddard sealed the game for WA.
“I could not be prouder of this incredible group of women. We knew the final was going to be a tough one with the weather conditions and the Japanese turned up with their A-Game,” Oliver said.
“They were physical and fast, but our midfielders dominated the centre draws and our defence kept applying incredible defensive pressure.
“We were patient and just kept taking our opportunities which saw us come out on top. This was definitely a team win.”
Robinson, from Wembley Lacrosse Club, was awarded the game’s Most Valuable Player award.
Led by Oliver and Goddard, WA was a mix of players from State League and Division 2 from four WA clubs.
Bowland-Curtis regularly plays for Bayswater Lacrosse Club.
For more information about Lacrosse in WA, visit lacrossewa.com.au/
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