STOTT RELISHING WORLD CUP CHALLENGE
TIMPERLEY lacrosse ace Ailsa Stott can't wait to compete
in this year's women's World Cup in America between June 23
- July 2.
The talented attacker has been a revelation for Timperley
in her first season in the North of England Premier League,
helping the Stockport Road club win the title after a long
spell without honours.
And now the international scene beckons for the 25-year-old,
who took a year out this year from studying to focus on her
lacrosse.
"It's a taken a lot of sacrifice, but getting selected
for the England team has made it all worthwhile," said
Stott.
"It has meant putting my life on hold for a year has
been worthwhile. I'm really looking forward to competing in
the World Cup, it's the biggest stage for any lacrosse player."
Indeed, and Stott believes England have a good chance of medalling
in Annapolis this summer.
"I think we can win gold, but we know it's going to be
really tough," added Stott. "We've got a young team
but all the girls are confident."
England open their account against defending champions and
hosts United States after the opening ceremony, a match which
is set to draw around 3000 spectators.
Victory for Lois Richardson's team would be the perfect start
before clashes with Australia, Canada and Wales follow.
"It would great if we could beat the US. We've been thrown
in at the deep end, but if we can beat them on opening night,
in front of a big crowd, that would be real shock for the
tournament.
"We're under no illusions how good they are, but if we
can hurt them first that will give us confidence. It would
be nice to get to the final."
England have medalled at the last four world cups with bronze
in 2001 and 1997, and silvers in 1993 and 1989, while the
US have won five titles in the last six years.
Stott is the only North West representative picked for the
team, although Preston's Keely Watt, now studying at Loughborough
University, is a travelling reserve.
The 19-year-old has also played for Timperley and represented
the North Counties team for the last six years.
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