|
SCOTTSDALE, AZ – The fast-paced, highly entertaining and flourishing sport of women’s lacrosse will come to the Valley, May 6-9. Players, parents, fans, coaches and officials will all have the opportunity to participate in the week’s activities.
The US Lacrosse 2009 Women’s Division Intercollegiate Associates (WDIA) National Championship tournament will take place at the Scottsdale Sports Complex with first-round games starting at 9:00 a.m. on May 6 and concluding with the championship game at 12:30 p.m. on May 9. The top 16 women’s collegiate club teams in the nation will compete for the title of US Lacrosse WDIA National Champion.
Before the championship game on Saturday, AZ Girls Lacrosse (AZGL) will bring 200 girls lacrosse sticks to the Scottsdale Sports Complex and run a free lacrosse clinic for girls in grades K-9. The free "200 StiX" event is open to all skill levels, including girls who have never played lacrosse but want to try it. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from top Arizona high school coaches and players. The clinic runs from 10:00 am to 12:00 p.m. with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. The event will take place on fields 9 and 10 at the Scottsdale Sports Complex located at 8081 E. Princess Drive (Northeast corner of Bell Road and Hayden Road), Scottsdale, 85255. AZGL is also taking pre-registration online at www.azgl.com.
"The purpose of this event is to introduce the sport of lacrosse to girls who have never heard of it or picked up a stick. We encourage a fun and learning environment because that’s what lacrosse is all about," explained coach Tricia Platten of AZGL. "AZGL hopes that the 200 StiX event will introduce local girls to lacrosse and empower them with new skills to foster the next generation of women lacrosse players."
For those looking to wear the stripes rather play on the field, US Lacrosse will host a free Introduction to Officiating clinic at the Scottsdale Sports Complex on Wed. May 6, 6-8 p.m.
"In order for the sport to grow, there must be a qualified infrastructure of officials to work the games," said US Lacrosse’s Officials Education & Training Manager, Nathaniel Badder. "Without officials, you can’t have games. We’re hoping to get more people interested in officiating lacrosse in Arizona because it’s a fun way to help grow the sport and get some exercise!"
Other events surrounding the US Lacrosse WDIA National Championship include an AZGL 5 vs. 5 tournament on May 7, a Desert Stix Jamboree game on May 9 before the national championship and the Arizona Girls High School All Star game on May 9 after the national championship. A comprehensive schedule of events is below.
Wednesday, May 6
9:00 am-1:00 pm - Round 1 Games @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
4:30 pm-6:00 pm - WDIA Awards Ceremony @ Scottsdale Marriott
6:00 pm-8:00 pm - Introduction to Officiating @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
Thursday, May 7
9:00 am-1:00 pm - Round 2 Games @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
6:00 pm-9:00 pm - AZGL 5 v.5 Tournament @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
Friday, May 8
10:00 am-7:00 pm - Round 3 Games @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
5:00 pm - Semifinal Game 1 @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
7:00 pm - Semifinal Game 2 @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
Saturday, May 9
8:00 am-10:30 am - Consolation Competition @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
10:00 am–12:00 pm - 200 StiX @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
11:00 am–12: 00 pm - Desert StiX Jamboree Game @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
12:30 pm -- National Championship Game @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
1:15 pm -- Desert StiX Halftime Game @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
3:00 pm - Arizona High School All Star Game @ Scottsdale Sports Complex
About AZ Girls Lacrosse
The mission of AZGL is to promote the sport of girls lacrosse through teamwork, courage, and heart. Learn more at www.AZGL.com.
About US Lacrosse
US Lacrosse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, is the national governing body for men’s and women’s lacrosse. US Lacrosse has more than 250,000 members in 62 regional chapters around the country. Through responsive and effective leadership, US Lacrosse strives to provide programs and services to inspire participation while protecting the integrity of the game. To learn more about US Lacrosse, please visit www.uslacrosse.org.
| 
