Gator Lacrosse Represented in Australia

Jul 8, 2004

Allegheny College’s lacrosse player Emily Deering (Hollis, Maine/Bonny Eagle) traveled to Australia with the USA Athletes International Lacrosse Team. Deering was one of many athletes from the United States who comprised one of two teams. Deering played on the U.S. Red Team with mostly recent graduates and a few juniors and seniors from Johns Hopkins University, Goucher College, Gettysburg College, McDaniel College, Denison University, and Washington College. The U.S. Blue Team was mainly sophomores from Division I schools.

Australia and Japan also fielded teams and each team had the opportunity to play one another before the Down Under Cup started which the Australians won 8-7 over Japan. International rules allow only seven girls from each team on the field at once as opposed to 12 for the college game. The Australia team was tough beating the U.S. Red Team 23-0 and allowing the U.S. Red just two shots on goal. Deering commented, “The Aussies were incredibly fast and their goals were executed with extreme precision.”

After practicing once again, Deering’s team defeated the U.S. Blue Team 14-10 before losing to a “super intense and very fast” Japan team in a close match. Deering had the opportunity to play defense, attack, and midfield throughout the week.

There was a closing ceremony and banquet where all the participants were able to meet and share stories about their athletic careers. Deering stated, “This experience showed me the great opportunities that sports can offer and has inspired me to become a better lacrosse player.”

The second week of the trip included a visit to Cairns in the tropical northern part of Australia. Deering took the opportunity to learn how to surf, go scuba diving and snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, as well as white water rafting. Deering and her teammates were each honored at the end of the trip with an award from the teams tour guide. The “True Blue” award was given to Deering for being the athlete with the best attitude and most willing to try new things and have fun.

In the end, Deering stated, “The experience offered a great tour of Australia, the chance to meet great girls from all over the east coast, and most significantly, showed me that working hard at a sport I love is well worth it.”

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