Information & Images gathered from Haudenosaunee Nationals FB Page&World Lacrosse Online Stat Sheet
On July 20, 2026, the 2026 Haudenosaunee Women’s landed in Tokyo, Japan for the 2026 World Lacrosse Women’s Championship at the Oi Stadium. Day one of their journey was spent with practice, meditation, and mindset training. Words from the head coach, Taylor Fink, were shared “We are really excited and really grateful to be here, and ready to go. Ready to Rock.” Stating that the team has a “growth mindset” and putting emphasis on taking things one day at a time as it goes by quickly and there is a lot of noise. “Enjoy the process, take it all in, and have fun with each other. It is an unbelievable once in a lifetime experience, they earned to be here, and they have worked very hard.”
Claudia Jimerson, Director of Women’s Lacrosse Operations for Haudenosaunee Nationals, also spoke on the women getting acclimated and getting the bronze medal last year in Florida to qualify for the World Lacrosse Championship. The things she was most excited about the women experiencing over the course of the tournament. Jimerson touched on the importance of veteran players guiding and mentoring the younger and newer players, how the bonds strengthen and the relationships resulting from that help with team building. The progression of the team and the on-field play, stating that with each tournament and each game you can see the progression, more of the comradery and chemistry.
The Haudenosaunee Nationals clinched their first win in their first game of the tournament on July 24, with an 11-8 victory against the Chinese Taipei. Jalyn Jimerson had the first goal of the game with the assist from her sister, Alie Jimerson. Then the second goal was Alie with the goal and Jalyn with the assist. Lois Garlow (5 Goals), Jalyn Jimerson (2 Goals, 3 Assists), Alie Jimerson (1 Goal, 2 Assists), Chloe Luther (1 Goal), and Avery Doran (2 Goals, 1 Assist) power us to a victory over Chinese Taipei in our tournament opener. Jaylyn Jimerson secured the first goal for the Women’s team, and they kept the momentum going. Lois Garlow was awarded the World Lacrosse Player of the Match. Lois went on to thank her teammates and hard work leading up to this stating “My teammates set me up so well. Without them I really wouldn’t have this. I am very grateful. I put in a lot of hard work the last year and it’s just showing today.”
Next up the Nationals played Team USA on July 25, getting beat out 22-5. Sierra Cockerille had 3 goals, Jalyn Jimerson had 1 goal, and Avery Doran had 1 goal. Goaltender Paige Crandall had 8 saves for the game.
The team had some downtime in between games and utilized it with practice along with sightseeing and team bonding. They were then back in action on July 27, the final game of tournament pool play and it all comes down to two. Winner of this game would then move on to the medal round. Haudenosaunee Nationals battled Ireland and came out with a five-goal fourth quarter victory. A final score of 13-7 Avery Doran (6 Goals), Jalyn Jimerson (3 Goals), Sierra Cockerille (1Goal, 4 Assists), Lois Garlow (1 Goal, 1 Assist), Alie Jimerson (1 Goal), Chloe Luther (1 Goal) and Paige Crandall (8 SV) lead the way in the win. Crandall was also awarded Player of the Game. The team punched their ticket to the Quarterfinals.
Quarterfinal Game – tensions were high, Lois Garlow scored a goal right off the rip unassisted 1 minute and 4 seconds into the first quarter. Haudenosaunee was leading at the half with a lead of 6-5. A last-second goal from Avery Doran sent the Nationals through to the semifinals, with a final score of 10-9! History was made as this is the first time the program has ever made it to the semifinals. Doran finished with 3 goals, 2 assists, Jalyn Jimerson contributed 3 goals, Lois Garlow had 2 goals, Sierra Cockerille had 1 goal, 2 assists, and Paisley Cook had 1 goal. While Paige Crandall turned away 12 shots in the win.
