Mannon helps Israel win silver at Women's European Lacrosse Championship

NETANYA, Israel - Fresno State senior defender Olivia Mannon earned the opportunity to represent Israel on the country's women's national team at the 2019 Women's European Lacrosse Championship, hosted by Israel. Mannon and the Israeli team finished as the runner-ups in the tournament after a close 10-7 battle with England in the championship game on Thursday, July 25.

Mannon went through the tryout process to secure one of three spots available on the Israeli national team. The tryouts, one held in Jerusalem and the other in Netanya, gave the athletes the opportunity to play with some of the team members while coaches evaluated the performances.

"By the end of the second team practice, head coach Janna Kaufman and team captain Ali Curwin offered me one of spots on the national team," said Mannon.

Each national team can only offer three roster spots to non-citizen athletes. Mannon proved to have the ability to earn one of those spots. The athletes not selected to the national team had the opportunity to play on the Israeli developmental team in the Festival bracket of the European Championships.

With only four team practices prior to opening ceremonies in Israel, Mannon was certain that the team was ready. With girls of all ages and experience levels, knowing the game of lacrosse helped them to initially mesh well and play well-executed lacrosse from day one.

Mannon appeared in all eight games of the tournament on the offensive and defensive ends of the field, which is something that was unfamiliar to the Bulldog defender.

"It was awesome getting to play midfield in the tournament.," added Mannon. "I have been a starting defender at Fresno State for the past three years so I jumped at the opportunity to try something different."

Primarily as a defender for the Bulldogs, Mannon was able to work on the opposite end of the field as she fired two goals for Israel in a loss to England on July 18 and a win against Wales on July 23. The Birmingham, Ala. native takes pride in her offensive efforts in Israel as she netted her first international goals during the tournament. She was just one of eight goal scorers for the Israel national team in the tournament.

"Coach Kaufman used me because I had legs and speed to get the ball up the field and run back down to the defensive end. We had some very talented offensive players already, but I definitely found my role on the attacking end in helping to cut for space and drive hard to pass off the ball."

Having the opportunity to represent Israel on the big stage is something that Mannon and the rest of the national team will hold close to their hearts. It was more than just a month of lacrosse. It was an opportunity to grow as a player and as a person. It was an experience of a lifetime and they made history while doing it.

"My favorite part was the relationships that I made with people on the team and in the tournament. I entered the tournament playing high-level lacrosse with complete strangers and I left Netanya with a silver medal and friendships that I will have for life. This team is one of the most unselfish teams I have ever been apart of and our ability to support each other on and off the field is what helped us to get to the championship game."

Mannon also realized that being on the national team is more than just a personal achievement, but an achievement for the country you are representing and all of the people that follow the sport worldwide.

"Playing on the Israel national team showed me the importance that sports have in bringing people together. We would often have younger Israeli boys and girls come to our games and cheer their hearts out for us. It really showed me the value that playing on a national team has for not only yourself but for the country you represent. There are things bigger than the game."

Mannon returns to the United States with a silver medal, a new level of playing experience and a greater appreciation for the game. Mannon is entering her senior season at Fresno State this spring.

"I loved being able to step out of my comfort zone and I hope to take what I learned this summer back to Fresno with me."

ABOUT THE ISRAEL WOMEN'S NATIONAL TEAM AND WOMEN'S EUROPEAN LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP
Heading into the tournament, the Israel national team was ranked No. 6 in the world and No. 4 in Europe.

The blue-and-white had a 5-3 record in the tournament with its losses coming against Wales and England. The England national team was the favorite in the tournament as it went on to win its third consecutive Women's European Lacrosse Championship title.

The tournament took place in Israel from July 15-25 as a 16-team field competing for the opportunity to continue on and qualify for the FIL World Cup. Israel, Germany, Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Latvia, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Czech Republic, Austria, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Spain consisted of the teams competing for the gold.

Israel Schedule/Results

Date	Opponent	Final
7/15	Germany	W, 13-2
7/17	Scotland	W, 12-6
7/18	England	L, 12-3
7/19	Ireland	W, 12-10
7/21	Wales	L, 12-8
7/22	Netherlands	W, 15-5
7/23	Wales	W, 8-5
7/25	England	L, 10-7

"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley" - The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.

Follow us on:
Twitter: @FresnoStateLAX
Instagram: FresnoStateLAX
Facebook: FresnoStateAthletics

Fresno State Athletics

Mannon helps Israel win silver at Women's European Lacrosse Championship

Related News

Players Mentioned

Olivia Mannon

Related Videos