It’s a three-peat for Alberta’s U22 women’s box lacrosse team

Team Alberta is back from winning yet another U22 women's box lacrosse championship.

Lizzy Finley and Mika Kulynych are making it a habit of winning national championships in box lacrosse.

For the third straight year, their Alberta U22 team returned home with gold medals.

At this years nationals in Halifax, Alberta was dominant. They went undefeated in the tournament, with a goal differential of plus 36, and beat B.C. in the championship game 9-2.

Finley, the team captain, said the last three championships have been amazing.

“I really didn’t expect that to happen. I didn’t even know if I was going to get a chance to play Team Alberta a couple of years ago and to do it three times, especially with this team it feels unbelievable.”

First for Alberta

Winning three straight championships is something Alberta has never done before according to head coach Robin Finley.

“First time for Alberta, male or female, to ever win three national vhampionships in a row,” he said.

“Of course some of the B.C. and Ontario teams have done that in the past with their historic programs. This is a really big progressive point for us.”

Won as a team

Winning three titles in a row isn’t easy. Kulynych plays transition for Team Alberta and credits the closeness of the team and the culture that’s built on winning.

“It’s just a testament to how special our group is,” she said.

“To be able to cement our legacy really as the best team three years in a row just shows how impressive and powerful that the whole group is. Coaches, staff, managers and players -- it takes a whole village.”

No trophy

The only negative for Team Alberta is Lacrosse Canada didn’t have the trophy at this nationals, saying it was scratched up.

“I was very disappointed,” said Captain Finley.

“We had it the last two years. We didn’t spend much time with it but it’s just one of those memories that you don’t forget is grabbing that trophy and bringing it to your team and everyone celebrating with it.”

Team Alberta is hopeful Lacrosse Canada will get the trophy to this province so they will be able to celebrate with it.

For many players, this was their last year with the U22 team. Lizzy and Mika have both aged out but Kulynych believes the program is in good hands.

“I really hope so,” she said.

“I think us putting our foot through the door and showing the youngers girls that it is possible will definitely pave the path for girls so that they can walk along it too.”