Three VIS athletes have been selected to represent Australia at the Junior World Cup, taking place between 24 November – 4 December.
Kristina Bates, Madi Ratcliffe and Sophie Taylor were all named in the women’s squad of 18 which will compete in Santiago, Chile later this month.
“The team selected for the Junior World Cup is a talented group of young athletes. It provides flexibility across a range of lines and there's a mix of experienced players at this level along with some exciting new talent,” Head Coach Tim White said.
Australia have been drawn in Pool C, alongside South Africa, England and Chile. They will play their first game against South Africa on day one of the competition.
Australia has finished runner-up at the Junior World Cup on two occasions – 1993 and 1997 – and this year the girls will be looking to place in the top three for the first time since 2001.
The draw also means Australia can avoid a clash against two-time defending champions - Netherlands – until at least the quarterfinal stages of the tournament.
”Obviously it was a very difficult selection process given the number of talented athletes we have in the under 21’s age group. However we have looked at performances from across the year and feel that the athletes we have chosen are the ones who will give us the best chance of success at the Junior World Cup,” White said.
The boys squad will be announced at a later date, with the men’s Junior World Cup to follow the women’s between 8-18 December.
