Sept. 7, 1999

PERTH, Australia — Notre Dame freshman women?s lacrosse player Kelly McCardell was named player of the game as the United States under-19 women?s lacrosse team beat host Australia 7-4 in the round robin portion of the 1999 IFWLA World Championships. The win improves the U.S. to 4-0 in the seven-team field. The U.S. led 4-1 at halftime on its way to avenging a loss to Australia in the 1995 title. The U.S. opened the tournament with a 22-4 win over Wales, then blanked Scotland 22-0 with a goal by McCardell and beat Canada 17-7 with another goal by McCardell.

Next up for the Americans is Japan on Wednesday followed by the final game of the round robin against England on Friday. The top two teams in the field will advance to the gold medal game. The U.S. is in first place at 4-0 with Australia and Canada tied for second with 2-1 record.

McCardell is one of just six incoming college freshmen to be selected to the team, which is comprised of players under the age of 19 who have not yet played a collegiate women?s lacrosse game. She also is the first Notre Dame women?s lacrosse player to be selected for a national team in the four-year history of the program. McCardell starred at Henderson High School in her hometown of West Chester, Pa., where she led her team to consecutive state district titles. She has garnered all-state honors and played in the STX Lacrosse Festival. McCardell also played on the Philly II region team at the United States Women?s Lacrosse Association tournament and will be one of eight freshmen on the 2000 Irish women?s lacrosse team.