Run-n-Gun, composed mostly of players from American Heritage School Boca/Delray, edged out the defending champion Eastport-South Manor (New York), 13-12 to capture the third annual Inside Lacrosse Women Indoor National Championship in Manheim, Pennsylvania.
The local travel team played seven games in the two-day event en route to the title. It is the third time the group has played in the tournament. In the previous two years, they were unable to advance past bracket play. They lost the last bracket play game last year when they ran into penalties and played most of the match either one or two players down due to yellow card fouls.
“The first time for a Florida team to win it all is pretty special,” head coach Rob Wurzburger said. “Going into this year, I think we were fairly confident we could definitely compete. I think we were at that level of the better teams there and have a long run in the playoffs for sure.”
He said there are about eight players who have played together in the Florida Select Club program for a number of years. They are all signed with colleges.
“When we started the tournament, we told them they had a chance to do something pretty special,” he said. “It gave them a little carrot to chew on a little bit. We didn’t make a huge deal out of it, but we did want to play for the state. (FHSAA State champion) Lake Highland Prep was there and they played well.”
Run-n-Gun’s Liz Harrison, a University of Florida signee, scored five goals, including the final two to lift Run-n-Gun to the championship. Goalie Chloe Provenzano, who is headed to Harvard in the fall, was stellar in goal, while Caitlyn Wurzburger, a University of North Carolina signee, and Kylie Hazen (Georgetown 2020) provided plenty of offense for the winners.
The event, featuring the best high schools in the country at Spooky Nook Indoor Sports Complex, plays with seven field players and one goalie. The goalies restarted play after each goal, and the teams played with a 60-second shot clock in the high school division.
“I love the shot clock,” Rob Wurzburger said. “It sped up the game. It was absolutely awesome. I wish high school would add a shot clock. I would not be surprised if it comes into play in the next few years.
“I think the win was truly a team effort,” he said. “Everyone contributed in some way. When you play in a 7v7 format, unselfish has to be the main word. I think everyone went in there to win and ball movement was the key to success. The seniors are great leaders, great lacrosse players and they are super humble kids. They are also super hungry and competitive kids.”
Gary Curreri is a South Florida Community News correspondent.
