The Hockeyroos opened their Champions Trophy campaign with a 2-2 draw against USA, followed by a convincing 3-1 victory over New Zealand.
In the USA match Australia led at half time but USA fought back to level the scores. With a minute to go in the final quarter Australia had a hat-trick of penalty corners, but were unable to convert. With only seconds to go Australia had one more chance to take the game from the USA, however the game ended with a 2-2 tie between the sides.
The Hockeyroos’ next encounter against New Zealand saw goals from Emily Smith, Jodie Kenny and Grace Stewart.
The first quarter began with a superb field goal from Emily Smith three minutes into the game, with the ball flying high over the goalkeeper’s head and bouncing into the net.
New Zealand was quick to fight back with Captain Anita McLaren flicking the ball straight past goalkeeper Rachael Lynch’s outstretched arm to score for the Black Sticks.
Australia regained the lead in the 18th minute via a Kenny penalty corner goal, before Stewart sealed the result with a field goal in the 40th, beating New Zealand `keeper Sally Rutherford with a second attempt
With a minute to go in the final quarter, and after some great attacking work by Karri McMahon, Australia was up for one last chance at a penalty corner. The flick from Jodie Kenny just missed the net, however the Hockeyroos still took away the game in a convincing 3 – 1 win over New Zealand.
Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens said: “It was a fantastic performance, I was very pleased with how the girls went about their business and how they improved from game one to game two. I thought our defence was far more consistent today. We were just a little bit loose against the USA, it’s something we addressed and I thought we were much better today.
Next up: Tuesday 21 June: Australia vs Argentina | 11.30pm AEST
