This year’s Austrian Lacrosse Open took place for the 14th time on the 25th and 26th of May in Vienna. This year also brought some big changes to the tournament.
For the first time, we were able to welcome all teams to our new home at FC Stadlau. The warm may weather allowed the full use of all facilities, such as the swimming pool with a view on the field was a real highlight.
Another premiere for the ALO, we are very proud of, was a bigger woman’s than man’s tournament. We had six woman’s teams participating and four men’s teams. Jizni Mesto (CZE), Mystery Meet (DNK, GER, FIN) and Olimpija/Twembley (SLO/UK) complemented familiar faces such as Graz Gladiators, Vienna Cherokees (with some players from Budapest) and the hosts.
The men’s tournament was more of a familiar matter. All teams knew each other pretty well. Graz Gladiators, Bratislava Tricksters and the Vienna Monarchs are all ALO veteran teams. However, this year we had one team that stood out of all. A team comprised of the old retired Austrian lacrosse elite, who traded their walking canes for lacrosse sticks.
Another highlight was the youth scrimmage, which took place for the first time in Austrian lacrosse history. Nine kids, trained by Adrian Balasch and Richard Hauer Sen., played their first game that ended in a thrilling 18:17. This game showed everyone why lacrosse is such a wonderful sport.
After two full days of lacrosse, the tournament ended with two teams winning in the end. Jizni Mesto took home the trophy in the women’s bracket, while Bratislava Tricksters won the title this year in the men’s tournament. The hosts were able to secure 3rd place in the women’s and 2nd in the men’s tournament. The MVP honours were awarded to Bianca Blei, goalie for the Austrian national team, and Boris Seversky from the Tricksters.
All this action concluded a great lacrosse weekend with amazing weather, a swimming pool and friends. We are looking forward to welcome you back next year
