NZ Blax have high hopes for 2017 World Cup
The New Zealand Blax have set bold ambitions for the 2017 Women’s Lacrosse World Cup in England.
Moving from 12th to 11th on the world rankings in the 2013 edition wasn’t enough, and now they want to crack the top five.
It will be a tough task in a tour- nament that is continually expanding - this year’s competition will have six new teams added making a total of 25.
However, the extra hurdles aren’t bothering NZ Blax veteran Sian Keys, who will be attending her fourth world cup.
‘‘We didn’t quite perform to our true potential in 2013,’’ Keys said.
‘‘Going into this world cup in July, our target is to really be up there in the top five, but that’s a stretch goal.’’
The countries standing in the Kiwis way are dominant forces.
The United States hold the top spot, with Canada, Australia, and England close behind.
However, the game continues to grow in New Zealand and in recent times, a host of young New Zealand women have ventured into the US college system and helped further the national team’s competitiveness.
‘‘The amount they are learning up there is amazing,’’ Keys said.
‘‘And bringing that all back here with their skills and coaching makes us a lot more competitive.’’