The Israel men’s national lacrosse team suffered their first loss in program history, falling to No. 8 Netherlands, 13-5, at Koninklijke Nederlandse Hockey Bond on Monday.
Israel got off to a hot start, as Dan Leventhal and Rich Cheifitz gave the blue and white 1-0 and 2-1 leads, respectively. Hank Altschuler played excellent in goal, making several big saves to keep the momentum in Israel’s favor, but the Dutch took a 4-3 lead into the half, and a 6-4 lead after three quarters.
Holland took advantage of Israel’s penalty woes in the fourth quarter to take command of the game, as the hosts of the 2012 European Championships proved their No. 8 world ranking.
Leventhal finished with two goals, while Cheifitz (+1 assist), Matt Cherry and Max Weisenberg added singles. Ben Bretter and Mike Grosz added helpers for Israel.
Ingmar Bolderink (four goals) and Ben van Ooijen (two goals, one assist) led Netherlands.
Israel plays No. 23 Switzerland and No. 9 Ireland in a doubleheader on Tuesday
