News for 10 November 2017
All the news for Friday 10 November 2017
Guyana secures a spot in the finals. Jamaica and Guatemala game postponed due to heavy rain.
The undefeated Guyana scores 9 against Panama for their 3rd straight win.
Qualifiers for the Central American and Caribbean Games - Panama vs Guyana. Photo: John Williams
PAN 0 vs GUY 9
Day 4 of the Men’s CAC Qualifiers kick-started with Guyana defeating Panama by 9 goals to secure a spot in the finals. An early error by Guyana resulted in a penalty stroke taken by Manuel Correa and an easy save by Medroy Scotland.
The first goal came from Aroydy Brandford who drove home a penalty stroke and gave Guyana the lead. He later scored 3 more to make it his 6th goal of the competition.
Jamarj Assanah and Robert France scored two goals each and Jael Gaskin got his name on the score sheet in the 59th minute to complete the scoring for Guyana.
JAM vs GUA
The match featuring Jamaica and Guatemala was stopped two minutes into the game due to the heavy rains at the JN Hockey Field. It was later rescheduled to tomorrow, November 10, 2017 at 9:30am.
2017 CAC Games Qualifier (M)
| Rank | Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P |
| 1 | Guyana | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 1 | 16 | 9 |
| 2 | Jamaica | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 6 |
| 3 | Guatemala | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| 4 | Puerto Rico | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 9 | -3 | 3 |
| 5 | Panama | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 26 | -24 | 0 |
Pan American Hockey Federation media release / Tables FIH Match Centre
Top three teams close on points. Guatemala women win on Day 4 of the CAC Qualifiers.
Jamaica, Guyana and Bermuda to battle for top two spots in their next game.
Qualifiers for the Central American and Caribbean Games - Bermuda vs Guyana. Photo: John Williams
GUA 1 vs PAN 0
Without a point and without a goal, Guatemala and Panama went in hunt for their first win in the 2017 CAC Qualifiers in Kingston, Jamaica. Throughout the first half, Guatemala’s Sandra Sis and Xiomara Flores consistently pressured Panama, but Rubi Diaz and Celina Portugal held it together to keep the ball out of goal.
In the 51st minute Sis fired a penalty stroke directly down to middle of the goal to get pass Daryeli Castro and give Guatemala the win.
BER 0 vs GUY 3
Bermuda and Guyana entered Day 4 in second and third place on 7 and 5 points respectively. Both teams came looking to secure a win in order to move to the top of the table and closer to qualifying for the CAC Games in Colombia next year.
Both teams started out fairly strong, but as the game progressed, Guyana slowly took control and created more chances for themselves. A promising shot from Maria Munroe Atkinson was tipped over the crossbar by Angela Dunstan.
Gabriella Xavier found goal for Guyana when a penalty corner pull made by her was returned by Trisha Wooderoffe. The score increased 41st minute when Marzana Fiedtkou drove home another penalty corner. Kerensa Fernandes made it 3-0 five minutes later.
PUR 0 vs JAM 2
Jamaica came out with early dominance in an attempt to regain the top position after Guyana won and took charge in the previous match. Their first chance at goal came when Chakira Airey made a pass in the D to Imauny Linton, however her touch on the ball wasn’t enough for it to pass goalkeeper Stephanie Garcia. Puerto Rico’s shots from Marisa Miro and Josefina Freaney, either went wide of goal or intercepted by Sauwana Gordon and Trudyann Knight.
The game had an extended half time break as a result of heavy rain at the JN Hockey Field. The second half resumed with both teams missing out on numerous chances to score.
The first goal eventually came in the 50th minute from Shana-Kay Tullongue and Demi Nicholson scored the second goal in the 52nd minute to win the game for Jamaica.
2017 CAC Games Qualifier (W)
| Rank | Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P |
| 1 | Jamaica | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 11 | 0 | 11 | 10 |
| 2 | Guyana | 4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 9 | 0 | 9 | 8 |
| 3 | Bermuda | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 3 | 5 | 7 |
| 4 | Puerto Rico | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
| 5 | Guatemala | 4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 14 | -13 | 3 |
| 6 | Panama | 4 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 14 | -14 | 0 |
Pan American Hockey Federation media release / Tables FIH Match Centre
2017 Melbourne 4 Nations (M)
PAK v JPN1 - 3
AUS v NZL4 - 1
| Rank | Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P |
| 1 | Australia | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 2 | 11 | 6 |
| 2 | Japan | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
| 3 | New Zealand | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
| 4 | Pakistan | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 12 | -10 | 0 |
2017 Melbourne 4 Nations (W)
NED v JPN 6 - 1
US v USA 3 - 2
| Rank | Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | P |
| 1 | Netherlands | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 7 | 6 |
| 2 | Australia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| 3 | United States | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| 4 | Japan | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | -5 | 1 |
Kookaburras Seal Spot In Gold Medal Match
Ben Somerford
The Kookaburras have qualified for Sunday’s International Festival of Hockey gold medal match after a 4-1 win over New Zealand at Melbourne’s State Netball and Hockey Centre on Thursday night.
Melbourne product Aaron Kleinschmidt starred again on home turf with two goals and an assist as the Kookaburras continued their recent dominance over the Black Sticks, having won the past five encounters including last month’s Oceania Cup final.
Kleinschmidt has scored four goals from two games in the tournament, after netting a double in Wednesday’s 9-1 win over Pakistan.
The win means Australia sits top of the table with two wins, while Saturday’s opponents Japan are second on four points, with New Zealand third on one point and Pakistan eliminated after two defeats.
A typically humble Kleinschmidt said: “I just get on the end of them. The team does all the work and I just tap them in.”
Blake Govers, who scored a second-half hat-trick against Pakistan, opened the scoring after Kleinschmidt squared for him on seven minutes.
Kleinschmidt doubled Australia’s advantage seven minutes later as the Kookaburras took a 2-0 lead into quarter-time.
Jeremy Hayward forced a good save from Black Sticks goalkeeper George Enerson from a penalty corner before half-time.
Kleinschmidt scrambled home Australia’s third on 32 minutes while Arun and Jared Panchia both had good chances saved by Tristan Clemons in the third period.
Jared Panchia pulled a goal back on the turn on 47 minutes, before another local forward, Kiran Arunasalam, rounded out the scoring with a simple deflection into the backboard.
The Kookaburras are next in action on Saturday against Japan.
Hockey Australia media release
Vantage Black Sticks overcome by Australia
Photo: www.photosport.nz
The Vantage Black Sticks Men have been defeated 4-1 by hosts Australia at the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne.
The world number two ranked Kookaburras sealed their place in Sunday’s final thanks to two goals in each half against the Kiwis.
Australia opened a 2-0 lead at the end of the fourth quarter after field goals from Blake Govers and Aaron Kleinschmidt.
Just after the halftime break Kleinschmidt scored his double before the Black Sticks pulled a goal back through a great individual effort in the circle by Jared Panchia.
The Kookaburras secured the result 10 minutes from fulltime when Kiran Arunasalam slipped a ball past goalkeeper George Enersen for his side’s fourth goal.
Assistant coach Bryce Collins said it was a frustrating match in which his side played well in patches but weren’t able to capitalise on their chances.
“I think when we look back at the game film we will be disappointed with some of the goals we conceded, and up front we created a fair bit throughout the game but weren’t good enough to finish them off,” he said.
“We played some really good hockey particularly in the fourth quarter which is encouraging, and we are improving but there’s still a lot of work to be done.
“Our focus is now on Pakistan and we are determined to do well and score some goals against them to make it through to the final.”
The Vantage Black Sticks have a day off before going up against Pakistan at 5:30pm on Saturday night (NZ time), with live coverage on SKY Sport.
VANTAGE BLACK STICKS: 1 (Jared Panchia)
AUSTRALIA: 4 (Aaron Kleinschmidt 2, Blake Govers, Kiran Arunasalam)
Halftime: Australia 2-0
Hockey New Zealand Media release
Black Sticks lose fifth straight to Kookaburras at International Festival of Hockey
Jared Panchia scored the Black Sticks' only goal in 4-1 loss to Australia in Melbourne. PHOTOSPORT
The Black Sticks men's side's poor recent record against Australia has continued in Melbourne.
Darren Smith's team fell to the Kookaburras for the fifth straight time, going down 4-1 in their second match at the International Festival of Hockey at Melbourne's State Netball and Hockey Centre on Thursday night.
Jared Panchia scored New Zealand's only goal in the 47th minute before Australia killed off any chance of a comeback minutes later, handing the Black Sticks a third loss in five days - following 4-0 and 2-0 defeats on Sunday and Monday in Bendigo.
The result, coupled with Japan's 3-1 victory over Pakistan earlier on Thursday, leaves New Zealand needing to beat Pakistan on Saturday and make up a five-goal goal difference on Japan, who face Australia in their final pool stage match on Saturday.
The win qualified the Kookaburras for Sunday's gold medal match against either Japan or New Zealand.
Melbourne product Aaron Kleinschmidt starred again on home turf with two goals and an assist as the Kookaburras continued their recent dominance over the Black Sticks, having won the past five encounters, including last month's Oceania Cup final.
Kleinschmidt has scored four goals from two games in the tournament, after netting a double in Wednesday's 9-1 win over Pakistan.
The win means Australia sit top of the table with two wins, while Japan are second on four points, with New Zealand third on one point and Pakistan eliminated after two defeats.
Blake Govers, who scored a second-half hat-trick against Pakistan, opened the scoring after Kleinschmidt squared for him in the seventh minutes.
Kleinschmidt doubled Australia's advantage seven minutes later as the Kookaburras took a 2-0 lead into quarter-time.
Jeremy Hayward forced a good save from Black Sticks goalkeeper George Enerson from a penalty corner before halftime.
Kleinschmidt scrambled home Australia's third on 32 minutes while Arun Panchia and Jared Panchia both had good chances saved by Tristan Clemons in the third period.
Jared Panchia pulled a goal back on the turn, before Kiran Arunasalam rounded out the scoring with a simple deflection into the backboard.
Meanwhile, the Hockeyroos women's side have fought back from 2-0 down to claim an exciting 3-2 win over the United States.
Australia, who lost 2-0 to the Netherlands in their festival opener on Wednesday, were on the back foot after two first quarter goals for the visitors.
However, the emerging Hockeyroos showed great steel with an outstanding second- half where goals from Jane Claxton, Brooke Peris and Emily Hurtz clinched an important win.
Hurtz's winner came after a slalom run down the left flank from the impressive Maddy Fitzpatrick.
The result means the Hockeyroos will qualify for the gold medal match on Sunday if they defeat Japan on Saturday.
Australia 4 (Aaron Kleinschmidt 2, Blake Govers, Kiran Arunasalam) Black Sticks 1 (Jared Panchia). 1Q: 2-0, HT: 2-0, 3Q: 3-0
Stuff
Pakistan lose to lowly ranked Japan.
By Shahid Khan
Pakistan were trounced 3-1 by their Asian opposition Japan in their second match at the four-nation International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne.
The second defeat came a day after Pakistan had the ignominy of registering their worst-ever defeat in hockey against Australia when they lost 9-1 to the hosts.
Holland had defeated Pakistan 9-2 at the 2006 Champions Trophy in Terrassa, Spain.
The Japanese team world ranked 16th opened the scoring when Kenta Tanaka scored the first goal in 14th minute as the teams went into the interval with that solitary goal. In the 46th minute Kenta Tanaka doubled his side’s lead and four minutes later Genki Mitani extended the lead through another open play goal.
Mohamad Atiq scored a consolation goal for Pakistan in the last minute.
The two teams had played 2-2 draw at the Asian Cup in Dhaka last month. This time around Pakistan, missing the seasoned defenders Mohammad Rashid and Rizwan senior as well as their experienced goalkeeper Mazhar Abbas were no match for the Japan team.
In the other game on the day World cup holders Australia trounced New Zealand 4-1.
The final matches of the round robin phase to take place on Saturday when Pakistan will take on New Zealand whilst hosts Australia will face Japan.
The final games will take place on Sunday.
Fieldhockey.exclusive
International Festival of Hockey: Japan inflict 3-1 defeat on Pakistan
By Nabil Tahir
NEED TO BUCKLE UP: Pakistan captain Mohammad Irfan believes his team need to put up a better show in their last league match against New Zealand. PHOTO COURTESY: HOCKEY AUSTRALIA
KARACHI: Pakistan faced a 3-1 defeat against Japan on Thursday, just one day after their worst-ever 9-1 defeat at the hands of World Champions Australia in the International Festival of Hockey at State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne.
Japan opened the scoring with a field goal courtesy Kenta Tanaka in the 14th minute. Pakistan were unable to answer with a goal, as Japan were able to maintain the lead till the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Tanaka once again found the net in the 46th minute to double his team’s lead. Genki Mitani then delivered the killer blow with a goal in the 50th minute to push Japan 3-0 up.
Pakistan were able to salvage some respect when Mohammad Atiq scored for them in the last minute of the match as the match ended 3-1, with Greenshirts reeling at the bottom of the league table with two consecutive defeats in their first two matches.
“This is not good,” captain Mohammad Irfan told The Express Tribune. “We lost to a team that is ranked lower than us. We need to work a lot on some aspects of our game to turn things around.”
He continued by saying that the team needs to buckle up. “This performance is not satisfactory and we need to buckle up for the next match. We will try to put up a better performance in the next match, but we don’t have much time to gather ourselves since we are playing back-to-back matches.”
Pakistan now play New Zealand on Friday in their last league match of the tournament.
The Express Tribune
Pakistan get 3-1 hockey lesson from minnows Japan
LAHORE: Pakistan received a drubbing against low-ranked Japan in what was their second loss in as many matches in the four-nation International Festival of Hockey at Melbourne’s State Netball and Hockey Centre on Thursday. The speedy Japanese side dominated the proceedings throughout the game, easily defeating the Green Shirts 3-1. Pakistan received their worst-ever defeat in hockey against Australia in their previous match when they lost 1-9 to the hosts. All four goals in yesterday’s match came through open play, with Pakistan scoring their goal in the last minute of the game.
Japan opened the scoring with a field goal courtesy Kenta Tanaka in the 14th minute. Pakistan were unable to answer with a goal, as Japan were able to maintain the lead till the end of the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Tanaka once again found the net in the 46th minute to double his team’s lead. Genki Mitani then delivered the killer blow with a goal in the 50th minute to push Japan 3-0 up. Pakistan were able to salvage some respect when Mohammad Atiq scored for them in the last minute of the match as the match ended 3-1, with the Green Shirts reeling at the bottom of the league table with two consecutive defeats in their first two matches. “This is not good,” captain Mohammad Irfan said. “We lost to a team that is ranked lower than us. We need to work a lot on some aspects of our game to turn things around.” He continued by saying that the team needed to buckle up. “This performance is not satisfactory and we need to buckle up for the next match. We will try to put up a better performance in the next match, but we don’t have much time to gather ourselves since we are playing back-to-back matches.” Pakistan play their next match against New Zealand on Saturday. In the day’s other match, hosts Australia defeated New Zealand 4-1.
Scorers:
Japan: Kenty Tanaka (14 min & 46 min) and Genki Matani (50 min)
Pakistan: Atiq Arshad (60 min).
The Daily Times
Even Japan hand 3-1 defeat to Pakistan
LAHORE - Pakistan hockey team once again failed to end its losing spree in the four-nation International Festival of Hockey after facing another 1-3 defeat at the hands of minnows Japan on Thursday.
According to Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) spokesman, the speedy Japanese side dominated the proceedings throughout the game, easily defeating the green shirts 3-1. Japan opened the scoring with a field goal courtesy Kenta Tanaka in the 14th minute. Pakistan were unable to answer with a goal, as Japan were able to maintain the lead till the end of the third quarter.
In the fourth quarter, Tanaka once again found the net in the 46th minute to double his team’s lead. Genki Mitani then delivered the killer blow with a goal in the 50th minute to push Japan 3-0 up. Pakistan were able to salvage some respect when Mohammad Atiq scored for them in the last minute of the match as the match ended 3-1, with Greenshirts reeling at the bottom of the league table with two consecutive defeats in their first two matches.
Prior to today’s match, Pakistan were ripped apart by the hosts Australia in their first match of the International Festival of Hockey at Melbourne's State Netball Hockey Centre. The record four-time World Champions' 1-9 defeat is their worst ever in international hockey.
“This is not good,” captain M Irfan said. “We lost to a team that is ranked lower than us. We need to work a lot on some aspects of our game to turn things around.” He said the team needs to buckle up. “This performance is not satisfactory and we need to buckle up for the next match. We will try to put up a better performance in the next match, but we don’t have much time to gather ourselves since we are playing back-to-back matches,” he added. Pakistan now play New Zealand on Friday in their last league match of the tournament.
Kookaburras crush Kiwis 4-0: The Kookaburras have continued their recent strong form against New Zealand with a 4-0 win over the Kiwis in the opening game of the International Festival of Hockey in Bendigo on Sunday.
Jeremy Hayward scored a penalty corner double, on a day when Australia had three debutants in Corey Weyer, Jake Harvie and Tim Howard. Josh Pollard opened the scoring in the first quarter, while Kiran Arunasalam added the third as Australia scored a goal in each of the four quarters. New Zealand fought hard but goalkeeper Tristan Clemons was outstanding in keeping them at bay, in front of a healthy crowd in Bendigo.
Clemons said: “It’s been great. We came out here last year and we were really happy with the support we got. “We love the support we get in the regional centres so hopefully they come out tomorrow and support us again.”
The result is a boost for the Kookaburras, who meet the Black Sticks again on Monday in Bendigo, before meeting Japan , Pakistan and NZ again in Melbourne later in the week. Victorian Pollard opened the scoring after eight minutes with a cool finish after a clever pass from Tom Wickham. Australia had two close calls late in the first quarter with efforts from Jake Whetton and Arunasalam both saved by New Zealand goalkeeper Richard Joyce.
Black Sticks skipper Arun Panchia forced a low save from the outstanding Clemons early in the second quarter, before Australia converted their first penalty corner of the game with Hayward scoring in trademark fashion. Clemons was called into action several times in the third quarter, making great saves to deny Dane Lett and Marcus Child from penalty corners.
Arunasalam added Australia’s third right on the final change, with a tidy reverse stick finish after breaking into the shooting circle. Hayward added number four barely a minute into the final term from a penalty corner, although he was denied his hat-trick in circumstances shortly after. Clemons ensured Australia kept a clean sheet with good late saves from Arun Panchia and Nick Ross.
The Nation
Greenshirts thrashed in opener
By Shahid Khan
Australia overwhelmed Pakistan with a 9-1 thrashing in the first match of the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne.
The visitors were ripped apart by the host Australia which handed over the record four times world champions their worst ever defeat in international hockey.
Holland had defeated Pakistan 9-2 at the 2006 Champions Trophy in Terrassa, Spain.
Although surprisingly, Greenshirts fielding five debutants in their lineup had the first chance of the game when Muhammad Qadir pushed his deflection wide, Australia looked the team in control as they scored two goals in the first quarter.
Early in the second half Abubakr Mahmood had opportunity to reduce the arrears but was denied by the Australian keeper. One again Australia, the reigning world champions responded by scoring a third goal but went into the half time interval without adding to their tally despite dominating the play.
Pakistan managed to pull a goal back after the break as Abubakr Mahmood converted a penalty corner with powerful drag flick into the roof of the net. However the hosts were in no mood to let up as they managed to score to two further goals in the third quarter.
Greenshirt missing the seasoned defenders – Rashid Mahmood and Rizwan Senior and experienced goalkeeper, Mazhar Abbas were guilty of sloppy defending which seemed to be theme of the day but in the last quarter, it completely melted away as they conceded four more goals.
In the 4-nation event, Pakistan will play Japan tomorrow whose first again in the tournament against a powerful New Zealand side ended 1-1.
Fieldhockey.exclusive
Hockeyroos Produce Stirring Comeback To Topple USA
Ben Somerford
The Hockeyroos have fought back from 2-0 down to claim an exciting 3-2 win over the United States in the International Festival of Hockey at Melbourne’s State Netball and Hockey Centre on Thursday night.
Australia, who lost 2-0 to the Netherlands in their festival opener on Wednesday, were on the back foot after two first quarter goals for the visitors.
However, the emerging Hockeyroos showed ticker with an outstanding second-half where goals from Jane Claxton, Brooke Peris and Emily Hurtz clinched an important win.
Hurtz’s winner came after a slalom run down the left flank from the impressive Maddy Fitzpatrick.
The result means the Hockeyroos will qualify for the gold medal match on Sunday if they defeat Japan on Saturday.
Forward Peris, who scored the equaliser, said coach Paul Gaudoin gave them clear instructions at the main break, prompting the turn-around.
Peris said: “At half-time we got a pretty hard message. It was about passing to the free player and not mucking around with the ball. First player you see that’s open, just give it to them.
“That’s what worked and that’s how we came back for the win.”
Earlier, USA captain Melissa Gonzalez opened the scoring from an eighth minute penalty corner, before Casey Di Nardo dispossessed Madi Ratcliffe inside the shooting circle to fire in the second moments prior to quarter-time.
Goalkeeper Rachael Lynch kept Australia in the contest with a crucial save from Di Nardo right on half-time before the turn-around.
Claxton swept home Australia’s first goal on 37 minutes after Hurtz was initially denied by US goalkeeper Kirstie Briggs
The Hockeyroos kept on mounting the pressure in the third period with Emily Smith also testing Briggs.
The pressure told in the last quarter with Peris equalising with a cool finish from a loose ball before Hurtz diverted home the winner in the 53rd minute after Maddy Fitzpatrick and her sister Savannah combined.
Hockey Australia media release
Second Half Surge By Australia Dooms USWNT in Second IFOH Match
MELBOURNE, Australia - Despite an early lead in the second match of the 2017 International Festival of Hockey (IFOH), the FIH Hero World Ranked No. 7 U.S. Women’s National Team was cut short of victory Thursday night as No. 4 Australia rallied to win 3-2. The Hockeyroos picked up their second win of the tournament after scoring three unanswered goals to wipe away USA’s first half advantage.
The two squads previously faced each other in a friendly test match in Bendigo, Australia, where Australia ultimately prevailed, 2-0.
Both squads had early scoring chances to test each other to open the match. Australia was given the first corner in the 5th minute, forcing a save by Jackie Briggs (Robesonia, Pa.) on the right side. Moments later, the host nation pressed once again with a race to the net but failed to convert. USA responded swiftly back the other way, and in the 8th minute threatened with their first penalty corner of the game. Unlike their opponent, USA executed perfectly on their chance with a strike from Melissa Gonzalez (Mohegan Lake, N.Y.) who was feed from Michelle Vitesse (Cherry Hill, N.J.) for the 1-0 lead. USA nearly capitalized once again while pressing the Hockeyroos in the circle, but an opportune strike by Anna Dessoye (Mountaintop, Pa.) came up short as she missed the net. In the waning seconds of the first quarter, USA perseverance paid off with a field goal by Casey Di Nardo (Virginia Beach, Va.) to put the red, white and blue up 2-0 at the break.
Although not on the scoreboard yet, Australia tested the USA defense by constantly penetrating the circle as the second quarter progressed. Where Briggs did not step up big time to make saves, Australia consistently sailed the ball just wide of the goal posts. USA meanwhile struggled to force the match offensively until late in the half, when Kathleen Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.) busted through a lane, but could not capitalize. Sharkey followed up with another scoring opportunity in the final seconds of the half, but was saved by Australia’s goalkeeper as the buzzer sounded.
Still hungry for an opening score, the host nation continued to mount early and often in the third quarter. Following a shot on the end line which hit into the side netting, Australia’s Jane Claxton found the goal off of a rebound save from Briggs to make it 2-1, with USA still holding the advantage. Australia did not let up, and after forcing a turnover in the 38th minute to set up another penalty corner chance, nearly tied the game but the shot sailed wide of the net. USA remained on the defensive side throughout the quarter as Briggs came up big once again on multiple chances by the opposition. A final strike by Australia sailed just over the crossbar as the buzzer sounded to head into the final quarter.
With momentum after the third quarter fleury, Australia appeared to tie the game in the 49th minute, but was ruled that the ball went off the head of Emily Hurtz, keeping the scoreboard in USA’s favor. It would not remain that way for long as a reverse stick finish rolled past Briggs to tie the game in the 51st minute. Moments later, the home crowd would cheer once again after a deflection at close range rolled into the cage in the 53rd minute, giving the advantage to Australia and completing the comeback.
The U.S. Women's National Team will regroup before heading into their third match of IFOH against No. 1 The Netherlands on Friday, November 10 at 10:00 p.m. ET. For more information about the 2017 International Festival of Hockey, including event schedule, results and live stream information, visit the IFOH Event Page by clicking here. #IFOH2017
USFHA media release
Hockey Australia Celebrates Women’s Day At IFOH
Ben Somerford
Hockey Australia (HA) celebrated Women’s Day at the International Festival of Hockey on Thursday as part of the organisation’s VicHealth partnership.
Last month, HA were announced as one of the profile partners for VicHealth’s new program to advance gender equality in sport and boost women’s participation in sport and physical activity.
Thursday’s Women’s Day included the Hockeyroos’ match against the United States headlining the day’s play from 7.30pm, after three earlier matches, including the Kookaburras’ match against New Zealand.
The Hockeyroos wore ‘This Girl Can’ purple socks during the match having each been handed a pair at a special event before their match.
Hockey Australia is one of 13 sporting organisations partnering with VicHealth through the This Girl Can – Vic campaign. The campaign aims to inspire and support women and girls to get active no matter how they look, how well they do it, or how sweaty they get.
As a gesture of goodwill and unity, the Hockeyroos also handed over a pair of the socks to their American rivals.
The event, held prior to the Hockeyroos’ match, included a panel discussion with inspiring women involved in the game, consisting of a mix of former players, administrators and ambassadors.
The panel consisted of HA High Performance Director Toni Cumpston, former Hockeyroo and current VIS Women’s Coach Stacia Strain (nee Joseph) and Werribee Hockey Club president and local legend Lyn Tout.
Bridie O’Donnell, the Head of Office of Women in Sport and Recreation Victoria Government, also spoke at the event, which was attended by female administrators including presidents and vice presidents of local hockey clubs and associations within Victoria.
All staff, commentators and MCs wore custom made polos specially created for the occasion to raise awareness of the campaign.
Hockey Australia media release
Hockeyroos Make Two Changes For Japan Test Series
Ben Somerford
The Hockeyroos have been forced to make two changes to the 18-member team to play Japan at the upcoming three-Test series in Adelaide.
Georgina Morgan and Mariah Williams have been unable to prove their fitness after injury and will be replaced in the team by Kirstin Dwyer and Renee Taylor.
Dwyer, who has 129 caps, was forced to withdraw from this week’s International Festival of Hockey due to a thigh injury but has recovered.
Taylor, 21, is currently part of the Hockeyroos team competing at the International Festival of Hockey in Melbourne.
The Hockeyroos will depart Melbourne for Adelaide on Monday, with the first game against Japan on Wednesday 15 November from 7pm local time.
Hockeyroos team for Japan Test Match Series:
Lily Brazel (VIC)
Jane Claxton (SA)
Jacqui Day (QLD)
Kirstin Dwyer (QLD)
Ashlea Fey (QLD)
Madison Fitzpatrick (QLD)
Savannah Fitzpatrick (QLD)
Kate Hanna (NSW)
Emily Hurtz (VIC)
Gabi Nance (SA
Kaitlin Nobbs (NSW)
Mikaela Patterson (NSW)
Aleisha Power (WA)
Madi Ratcliffe (VIC)
Kathryn Slattery (WA)
Grace Stewart (NSW)
Renee Taylor (QLD)
Ashlee Wells (VIC)
Hockey Australia media release
Havenga gets surprise recall to Dutch squad
© Frank Uijlenbroek
SV Kampong’s Martijn Havenga was the surprise inclusion in Max Caldas’s Dutch squad for the Hockey World League final in India, none more so than for the player himself.
Havenga had not been part of the Dutch training group and admitted to hockey.nl about his call-up: "I did not have any contact with Max for a long time and then I got a call a few days ago. "
And when it came, he was happy to accept the place on the plane for Bhubaneswar from December 1 to 10 despite being in the midst of other commitments as he felt playing for the Netherlands again was on the back burner.
"I'm busy with other things, finishing my final things for college but for such a beautiful opportunity, applications can wait a while!
"In the run-up to the European Championships, I was in that top-class training group but once I was no longer with the training group, let alone the tournament selection, it was not something I was working. Maybe that's why I've just been playing with more freedom.”
He has previously played in the same city in India in the 2014 Champions Trophy, his last tournament in Orange. He is joined in the panel by club mate Lars Balk who steps up from the Dutch Under-21s who he captained in Valencia. Bjorn Kellerman and Robbert Kemperman make up a quartet of players from the Utrecht club.
Of the other EHL sides, from Rotterdam, Thijs van Dam is another newcomer and will line out alongside club mate Seve van Ass while HC Bloemendaal’s Thierry Brinkman, Glenn Schuurman and Floris Wortleboer will also travel to India.
England Hockey Board Media release
Negri put Police in the slammer to reach Razak Cup semis
By S. Ramaguru
Too fast: Perak’s Muhammad Haziq Samsul (left) dribbling past Johor’s Mohamad Zaki Ismail during the Razak Cup Group B match at the Azlan Shah Stadium in Ipoh yesterday. — RONNIE CHIN / The Star
IPOH: Last year’s runners-up Police are out of the Division One semi-finals after being thumped 5-1 by Negri Sembilan in their final Group B match in the Razak Cup competition at the Azlan Shah Stadium.
Negri went into the match with just one point while Police had two after earlier draws with Johor and Perak.
Perak drew 1-1 with Johor to top the group with five points.
In the semi-finals, Negri will play Group A winners Terengganu while Perak will meet Melaka.
Negri headed into yesterday’s game against Police knowing they had to win to advance to the last four.
Playing with far more urgency, Police got their goals through Kavin Kartic (10th and 58th minutes), Manraj Singh (21st), Dangerous Lee (24th) and Mohd Marhan Mohd Jalil (38th).
Police scored their consolation goal through defender Mohd Razie Rahim in the 23rd minute.
“The players gave a very polished display and were confident in executing their moves,” said Negri coach S. Chandran.
We needed to minimise our mistakes and make sure we take our chances. That’s exactly what they did.
“The early two-goal lead also gave us the advantage.
“We now have a one-day break to prepare for the semi-final against Terengganu.”
In the other Group B game, Perak did just enough to get the point they needed to make the semi-finals.
National player Mohd Najib Abu Hassan put Perak in the lead with a 19th minute penalty corner goal.
Johor only managed to equalise in the 56th minute when Mohd Nor Akmal Abdul Ghaffar scored off a penalty corner set piece.
In Division Two, Pahang joined Selangor in the semi-finals from Group A after trouncing Thailand 5-1.
In Group B, Perlis topped the group with a 4-1 win over Kedah. Armed Forces finished second in the group to pip Kedah to the other semi-final slot.
In the semi-finals, Pahang will face Perlis while Selangor will meet Armed Forces.
The Star of Malaysia
Reading face leaders Surbiton
Reading's James Carson challenges for the ball. Credit Simon Parker
After losing to Hampstead & Westminster last weekend, Reading face league leaders Surbiton as they battle to stay in the top four in the Men’s Hockey League Premier Division on Saturday.
Only goal difference saw them stay in the play-off zone but, with two sides within just one point of overtaking them, the pressure is on for the Sonning Lane side.
“Having played Surbiton pre-season we’ve got a good understanding of what they will want to do,” said Reading’s team manager Tim Hamilton, before adding “but we will focus on our own game.
“We are broadly where we expected to be at this time of the season. What is clear now is that there are a decent group of clubs who have good sides. In past years there have been just two or three teams who have been dominant, now we have six or seven that can play well on their day.”
And there is another important match-up this weekend with second-placed Beeston at home against East Grinstead, who are third.
After their victory over Reading last time out, Hampstead & Westminster tackle Sevenoaks at Paddington Recreation Ground. Holcombe could climb into the top four if they overcome Brooklands MU, while Wimbledon host Canterbury in the day’s other top flight match.
Currently third, the University of Durham are at home against leaders the University of Nottingham in the Men’s Conference North, while Bowdon could go top if they beat Preston and the University of Nottingham lose.
Doncaster inflicted Nottingham’s first league defeat of the season last weekend and will want to build on that with a win over Deeside Ramblers on Saturday.
It is first versus second in the Men’s Conference East with leaders Southgate hosting Cambridge City, while third-placed Oxted are at home against Old Loughtonians.
And in the Men’s Conference West second-placed Cardiff & Met could go top if they beat hosts the University of Birmingham and leaders University of Exeter lose at Clifton Robinsons.
FIXTURES
Saturday, November 11 2017
Men’s Premier Division
Hampstead & Westminster v Sevenoaks 13:30
Beeston v East Grinstead 14:00
Holcombe v Brooklands MU 14:00
Wimbledon v Canterbury 17:00
Surbiton v Reading 18:00
Men’s Conference North
Univ of Durham v Univ of Nottingham 12:00
Bowdon v Preston 13:45
Doncaster v Deeside Ramblers 14:00
Leeds v Sheffield Hallam 17:30
Cannock v Loughborough Students 18:00
Men’s Conference East
Teddington v West Herts 13:45
Old Georgians v Chichester 14:30
Southgate v Cambridge City 16:00
Brighton & Hove v Richmond 17:00
Oxted v Old Loughtonians 17:00
Men’s Conference West
Olton & West Warwicks v Fareham 12:00
Havant v Cheltenham 13:30
Isca v Team Bath Buccaneers 14:00
Clifton Robinsons v Univ of Exeter 14:30
Univ of Birmingham v Cardiff & Met 17:00
England Hockey Board Media release
Bondi backs Baxter to star for Lakers in upcoming PHL
Steph Baxter in action for the St Lucia Lakers. Photo by: Marcel Sigg
It will be a very different Steph Baxter that steps onto the pitch at the 2017 Premier Hockey League at the end of the month.
Having impressed selectors at last year’s edition of the tournament, Baxter was picked for the South African women’s team.
Now, with 20 international caps to her credit, the 24-year-old is a far more confident player. She admits herself, she’s far better at expressing herself as well.
“Going into PHL this year, I’m a little more mature in my game and a little more outspoken. I’m a little quite at times and I think I’ve grown in that manner,” said the Potch student.
Backing her all the way is coach of the St Lucia Lakers side she’ll be representing for a second consecutive year, Inky Zondi.
“Steph is an exciting young player with natural ability and lots of potential,” he said.
“She is a player who can change the course of a game through her attacking flair and I look forward to seeing her bring this through to the Lakers team in 2017. She creates dangerous attacking scenarios and the team can capitalise from this,” added the coach.
“Her exposure to top international competition and players in the SA team this year, particularly at the World League hosted here in Johannesburg would have benefited her hugely and grown her as an individual. Competing at that level can add confidence to a player's game and hopefully she can bring those learnings through this year at PHL 2017.”
The Lakers finished fourth at last year’s tournament but Baxter feels they’re a stronger outfit this time around.
“I’m super excited to be playing for the Lakers again in 2017. I think this year’s team is a little more experienced than last year. There’s a lot of depth in the side and I’m extremely excited to see what we can produce and how we get on as a unit.”
Other marquee players joining Baxter in the team are one of the stars of the SA side, veteran Shelley Jones, and other national teammates Quanita Bobbs and Kara Stella. They play their first game against the Orange River Rafters on Saturday, 25 November.
Zondi reckoned: “I believe this is a competitive group with a strong core of players from 2016 and I look forward to helping them progress from strength to strength each game.”
Speaking about how the PHL has played such an important part in her career, Baxter explained: “PHL is such a major tournament with all the big names partaking in this event. That did not scare me though. In fact, I saw it as another opportunity to learn and just enjoy hockey on such a scale as there aren’t many tournaments like PHL. Lenise Marais also played a big role as she gave me so much freedom to play my game and that gave me more confidence knowing she believed in me and my abilities.
“I think the PHL is important as it has reached a much larger audience and people have taken so much more interest in the sport, with it being televised by SuperSport. Having a bigger base and having people take more interest can only boost hockey more, causing more sponsorships and interest in our national teams.”
The PHL group games will be played over three consecutive weekends, starting on 25 November, with the playoff matches contested on December 11-12. All matches will be played at the Randburg Astro in Johannesburg and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
SA Hockey Association media release
CBC dominates Reiger Park indoor hockey finals
Sabelo Mashego
Sinovia Cochran.
The CBC women and men teams won their respective final matches to be crowned the Eastern Gauteng Hockey Association Indoor League champions at the Reiger Park Civic Centre on the evening of November 3.
CBC Blue defeated CBC Yellow 5-3 in the men’s final in the most competitive playoff match of the evening, following a one-sided third/fourth place playoff encounter between Izingwe and Qwaggas where the former outfit blew out the latter 6-0.
In the women section, the third/fourth playoff curtain raiser for the final had Reiger Park down trigger-less Shooting Stars 4-0.
The final saw Flames being run out of the building 7-0 by a CBC outfit in a class of its own.
Izingwe star Connah Freemantle.
The leagues began on September 21 and were played in a round-robin format before the first four teams in each log qualified for the playoffs which pitted first versus fourth and second versus third.
The losers from the playoffs were relegated to the third/fourth finals and the winners qualified for the final showdown.
The men’s league consisted of third-placed Izingwe, CBC Yellow, Qwaggas and champions CBC Blue.
Meanwhile, the women log included Reiger Park, Reiger Park Flames, Shooting Stars, East Rand Secondary, Reiger Park Tech and champions CBC.
The Boksburg Advertiser
Hockey legends confirmed as Athlete Role Models for YOG 2018
Helen Richardson-Walsh and Matias Paredes have been confirmed as YOG 2018 role models
Rio 2016 Olympic gold medallists Helen Richardson-Walsh from Great Britain and Matias Paredes from Argentina have been confirmed as Athlete Role Models for the Youth Olympic Games which will take place in Bunoes Aires, Argentina in 2018.
Earlier today the International Olympic Committee (IOC) revealed the first 25 Athlete Role Models (ARMs) who will gather in the Argentinian capital next October to mentor and support the next generation of young athletes who will compete at Buenos Aires 2018.
Sporting legends have been selected by the International Federations in the 32 sports that appear on the Olympic programme at next year’s Youth Olympic Games. The list includes many well-known names in the world of sport, including Olympic and world champions, with more to be revealed closer to the Games.
In Buenos Aires, the ARMs will be on hand for a minimum of five days and will play a key role in supporting and mentoring the 3,998 young athletes that will be participating in the Games.
The ARMs will be accessible to the athletes in the Youth Olympic Village and during a series of educational activities and workshops. These activities will focus on areas such as skills development, careers advice, how to lead healthy lifestyles and the Olympic values.
The ARMs will be behind the scenes during the competitions and will also be available for informal chats in a specially created lounge that will be open to all participants. The athletes and fans can also learn valuable lessons from the ARMs during “Chat with Champions” sessions – a Q&A format to promote discussion with the young athletes. Fans of the YOG will also have the opportunity to put their questions directly to the ARMs during informal chat sessions on the Olympic Channel and wider social media platforms.
The main goal behind the programme is to enable the ARMs to share their experiences and inspire the athletes to be the best they can be both on and off the field of play. Athlete feedback from previous YOG editions have shown that the ARM programme is consistently ranked highly in athletes’ experience. Young athletes are inspired by these ARMs, not only to perform at their best, but also to become positive role models themselves.
In Buenos Aires, the ARMs will also spend time in the four parks, engaging with local youth through various Learn & Share activities and participating in sport initiation sessions for public.
Li Lingwei, Acting Chair of the IOC Coordination Commission for Buenos Aires 2018 and badminton legend said: “The Athlete Role Models programme is a crucial part of the Youth Olympic Games and an opportunity for young athletes to learn valuable lessons from the best in sport. Competing in international sport at the highest level is an exhilarating career, but it also comes with its pressures and challenges, which is why we are happy to have the team of Athlete Role Models to support the next generation.”
Click here for the first 25 names to be revealed as ARMs.
For more information on the Youth Olympic Games Buenos Aires 2018 go to: www.buenosaires2018.com
FIH site
Weekend College Games: NCAA First, Second & Third Rounds
Photo courtesy of Dave Silverman
College field hockey has now entered NCAA tournament play. USA Field Hockey highlights each Division Tournament this weekend.
DIVISION I: FIRST & SECOND ROUNDS
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2017
SCHEDULE & PREVIEW
Sherman-Family Complex, Storrs, Conn.
No. 1 Connecticut vs Boston U. | 11:30 a.m. ET | Husky Vision
No. 1 Connecticut (19-0) was the only team to go undefeated in Division I this season, earning them the No. 1 seed and the right to host. The Huskies won their sixth straight Big East Tournament Championship. This qualified them for the NCAA tournament for the fifteenth consecutive year, including back-to-back national titles in 2013 and 2014. Connecticut will take on Boston University, who defeated Fairfield 5-0 this past Wednesday in an opening round game to earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.These two squads met in Storrs, Conn. back on September 18 with the Huskies earning an 8-1 win.
Delaware vs Penn State | 2:00 p.m. ET | Husky Vision
The reigning National Champions, Delaware, take on Penn State in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. The Blue Hens (15-4) claimed their fifth straight, and seventh overall, Colonial Athletic Association Tournament title this past weekend. Penn State (16-4) is coming off a 1-0 loss in the Big Ten title match to Michigan. The last time these two teams met, Delaware handed then-No. 2 Penn State its first loss of the season by a margin of 2-0. Delaware is 4-3 all-time against PSU on neutral turf.
Jack Katz Stadium, Durham, N.C.
No. 2 Duke vs Miami (OH) | 11:30 a.m. ET | Live Stats
No. 2 Duke (16-3) earned the No. 2 seed and will host the First Round of NCAA tournament action this weekend. The Blue Devils earned the program's fifth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance. Last fall, they reached the quarterfinal of the NCAA Tournament before getting knocked out. Miami (11-8) defeated Stanford 2-1 yesterday in an opening round game to earn their spot in the NCAA Tournament. This is the first time in program history that Miami (Ohio) has reached the First Round of the NCAA Tournament.
Maryland vs Wake Forest | 2:00 p.m. ET | Live Stats
Both Wake Forest and Maryland earned their way into the 2017 NCAA Tournament and will face off in the First Round this Saturday. Wake Forest (12-7) is making its 16th overall trip to the NCAA Tournament. The last time these two teams met was back in October of 2013, when Maryland defeated Wake Forest 2-1. Maryland (13-6) earned its 29th NCAA Tournament appearance and this marks the Terrapins’ 23rd consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, the longest active streak in the nation.
Phyllis Ocker Field, Ann Arbor, Mich.
No. 3 Michigan vs Syracuse | 11:30 a.m. ET | MGoBlueTV
No. 3 Michigan earned the Big Ten’s automatic bid to the NCAA and the right to host the First/Second rounds after capturing the conference tournament title. The Wolverines (19-2) are making their 14th NCAA Tournament appearance and have advanced to the semifinals on three of their last thirteen appearances, twice playing in the national title game. Syracuse (12-6) found out they earned an at-large bid into the 2017 NCAA Tournament moments before boarding doors closed on their flight back from the ACC Tournament. This marks the Orange's 10th straight NCAA appearance. The matchup between these two teams will be a battle of two of the nation’s top defenses, who have combined for 24 shutouts on the season.
Northwestern vs Louisville | 2:00 p.m. ET | MGoBlueTV
The other First Round match being played at Michigan will be between Louisville and Northwestern. This marks Louisville's (14-7) fourth consecutive NCAA at-large bid and the seventh overall in program history. The last time these two teams met, Northwestern topped Louisville 2-0 in September. The Cardinals meanwhile are 7-2 all-time verses Northwestern. Northwestern (14-6) is making their 14th overall NCAA appearance and its first since 2014. They enter the NCAA tournament after falling to Michigan in the Big Ten semifinals.
University Hall Turf Field, Charlottesville, Va.
No. 4 North Carolina vs Saint Joseph's | 11:30 a.m. ET | UVa FB Live Stream
No. 4 North Carolina (16-4) will open NCAA Field Hockey Tournament play Saturday with a First-Round matchup against Saint Joseph’s. The 2017 ACC Champions are making their 15th NCAA appearance in a row, and the 34th in school history. The Tar Heels have made more NCAA appearances than any other school. Saint Joseph’s (18-3) is making its first-ever NCAA Tournament appearance after winning the Atlantic-10 title for the first time in 22 years. Although the top-four ranked teams typically host, North Carolina is without a field this season granting Virginia the host-site.
Virginia vs Princeton | 2:00 p.m. ET | UVa FB Live Stream
Virginia (15-4) earned their 22nd bid to the 2017 NCAA Tournament and will host the First and Second Round games. Last year in the 2016 NCAA Tournament, Princeton and Virginia met in the quarterfinals, where Princeton scored a goal right before the end of regulation to knock Virginia out of the tournament. Princeton (11-6) has reached the NCAA Tournament for 10 straight seasons and claimed the Ivy League title this year.
Winners of the First Round games will advance to the Second Round on Sunday, November 12 at 2 p.m. ET. Winners of the Second Round games will advance to the NCAA Division I Semifinals being held at the University of Louisville at Trager Field in Louisville, Ky. on Friday November 17. Discounted tickets for the 2017 NCAA Division I Field Hockey Championship can be purchased by clicking here.
USA Field Hockey also has a full weekend of anciliary events happening surrounding the NCAA Final Four. Click here for more informaiton.
DIVISION II: FIRST ROUND
Just six teams advanced to the NCAA Division II Field Hockey Championship Tournament, where First Round play will start on Saturday, November 11, 2017. The top two seeded teams receive a bye into the Semifinal round.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2017
SCHEDULE & PREVIEW
No. 3 Shippensburg vs No. 6 Stonehill | 1:00 p.m. ET | Robb Sports Complex, Shippensburg, Pa. | Ship Video
Defending National Champions, Shippensburg, will take on Stonehill in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament this Saturday. Shippensburg (14-4) earned the No. 3 seed and is in the NCAA Tournament for the second-straight year and 13th time in program history. The Raiders captured the national title in 2013 and 2016 and are 7-10 all-time in the NCAA Tournament. Stonehill (13-6) has earned its ninth trip to the NCAA Tournament after receiving the No. 6 overall seed. Stonehill earned a NCAA bid for the fifth straight year having reached the semifinals each time.
Receiving a bye in the First Round, No. 2 East Stroudsburg will face the winner Shippensburg and Stonehill. ESU is the Atlantic Region top seed, the first time ever. ESU was selected for the NCAA Tournament for the ninth time, and the sixth at the Division II level. The Warriors are pursuing their second national title in three years after winning the first in program history in 2015.
No. 4 St. Anselm vs No. 5 Millersville | 5:00 p.m. EST | Grappone Stadium, Manchester, N.H. | Hawks Streaming Video
Saint Anselm fearned a bid to the NCAA Division II Field Hockey Tournament making its second consecutive appearance. The Hawks earned the No. 4 seed and will host No. 5 Millersville on Saturday. Saint Anselm (17-2) won their second-straight Northeast-10 Conference regular season championship. Millersville (14-5) returns to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth consecutive season. The battle between these two teams will feature contrasting styles. Saint Anselm ranks second in goals per game, while Millersville ranks third in the nation in goals against average.
LIU Post earned the No. 1 seed and a First-Round bye in the NCAA Division II Tournament semifinal game after winning the Northeast-10 Conference for the second straight season. This is LIU Post's fourth bid in the last five years. The Pioneers’ last three appearances meanwhile culminated in a trip to the national championship game. LIU post will face either Saint Anselm or Millersville in the semifinals.
Winners of the First Round games will advance to the NCAA Division II Semifinals being held at Bellarmine University's Owsley B. Frazier Stadium on Friday, November 17, 2017. Discounted tickets for the 2017 NCAA Division II Field Hockey Championship can be purchased by clicking here.
USA Field Hockey also has a full weekend of anciliary events happening surrounding the NCAA Final Four. Click here for more informaiton.
DIVISION III: SECOND & THIRD ROUNDS
NCAA Division III First Round games took place on Wednesday, November 9 narrowing the playing field to 16 teams. The Second Round will kick off on Saturday, November 11 with multi-conference champions fighting for a chance to advance in the NCAA Tournament.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2017
SCHEDULE & PREVIEW
Anderson Field, Grantham, Pa.
Messiah vs Washington & Lee | 11:00 a.m. ET | GoMessiah.TV
Messiah was awarded a bye through the First Round before hosting the Second and Third Round games on Saturday, November 11. Messiah (19-0) earned the right to host after going undefeated and winning their 11th-straight MAC Commonwealth Championship. The Falcons are riding an impressive 41-game winning streak and will be looking to capture their second Division III National Championship. Washington & Lee (15-4) received an automatic bid into the First Round where they defeated Denison 1-0 this past Wednesday to advance to the Second Round.
Salisbury vs Trinity | 2:00 p.m. ET | GoMessiah.TV
The other Second Round game will be a matchup between Salisbury and Trinity (Conn.). Salisbury (12-4) received an at-large bid and a first-round bye in their 33rd NCAA Tournament appearance. History is not on Salisbury's side hoever, as their lone victory agaisnt Trinity was during the 1982 season. Trinity (13-6) defeated Gwynedd Mercy 5-3 in a First Round game this Wednesday to reach the Second Round. The tournament appearance is Trinity’s eighth in program history and second in a row.
Lions Stadium, Ewing Township, N.J.
TCNJ vs SUNY Cortland | 11:00 a.m. ET
TCNJ (15-3) earned a First Round bye and the right to host the regional rounds of the 2017 NCAA Tournament after topping Kean University in the New Jersey Athletic Conference Championship by a final score of 2-1. SUNY Cortland (18-3) defeated Keene St. 4-1 this past Wednesday to advance to the Second Round, and entered the NCAA play with a 12-game winning streak. The last time they won the NCAA title was in 1997.
MIT vs Centre | 2:00 p.m. ET | Live Stats
MIT (16-2) received a first-round bye in the NCAA Tournament after winning its first NEWMAC title since 2012 and fifth overall. Centre punched their ticket to the Tournament marking the program’s first appearance since 2014 and fourth all time. The Colonels (16-4) earned their spot after winning the Southern Athletic Association Championship, and defeating Washingotn & Jefferson 3-2 this past Wednesday to advance to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament.
Kohn Field, Middlebury, Vt.
Middlebury vs University of New England | 11:00 a.m. ET | Middlebury Panthers
Middlebury field hockey will make its 15th-consecutive and 18th overall appearance in the Tourmament when it hosts the Second Round of play on Saturday, November 11. Middlebury (16-2) earned a bye in the First Round after claiming the NESCAC’s league title for the fifth time. The Panthers enter the weekend with an overall record of 33-16 in NCAA Tournament play. They last won the NCAA title in 2015. They will take on the University of New England (18-4) in the Second Round, who got to this point after rallying past Saint Joseph's Maine 2-1 this past Wednesday. UNE has momentum on their side coming in to Staurday's game having won 11 straight.
Rochester (NY) vs Husson | 2:00 p.m. ET
The other Second Round game will be a matchup between Husson and Rochester (N.Y.). Rochester (17-3) earned a first-round bye in the NCAA Tournament. Husson (13-5) upset top ranked Babson 1-0 in the First Round to advance to set a date with the Yellowjackets. Husson picked up their first-ever win over Babson College and improved to 1-5 all-time in the National Tournament. It marked the first time in program history Husson defeated a ranked opponent.
Captains Turf Field, Newport News, Va.
Christopher Newport vs Kean | 11:00 a.m. ET | CNU Athletics
Christopher Newport (17-1) was rewarded with a first-round bye and the opportunity to host the Second and Third rounds of the NCAA Tournament after claiming the Capital Athletic Conference title. Kean (20-2) defeated Juniata 2-1 in overtime this past Wednesday to advance to the Second Round, marking the first NCAA Tournament victory in program history.
Montclair State vs Franklin & Marshall | 2:00 p.m. ET
Montclair State was one of five teams to receive an at-large bid to the 2017 NCAA tournament. Montclair State (16-3) is making their seventh overall NCAA appearance, which includes a run to the national title game in 2012. Franklin & Marshall (16-3) defeated Misericordia 2-0 this past Wednesday to advance to the Second Round. Franklin & Marshall are making their 10th overall and fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance.
HA Appoints New Manager Of Planning & Performance
Ben Somerford
Hockey Australia (HA) today is delighted to announce the appointment of Dee Jennings to the newly created role as Manager of Planning and Performance.
The new position as Manager of Planning and Performance has been created to ensure the provision of quality performance support services to both men’s and women’s High Performance (HP) programs, with the clear goal to achieve medal success at the 2018 World Cup, 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2020 Olympic Games.
Jennings will work in collaboration with the Head Coaches to drive and influence the elite National network to establish a ‘World’s Best’ performance support network, which maximises the input and investment of all stakeholders and provides personal development opportunities and engagement within the national program for our National Institute Network providers.
HA HP Director Toni Cumpston said: “We’re excited about this new role as we move to become a world leader in hockey and sport in general.
“We feel this appointment will provide an additional layer of management so our teams can excel as best as possible.”
Jennings joins HA’s HP Unit from Gymnastics Australia where she held the position as the Performance Manager for the Women's Artistic Gymnastics National Centre of Excellence.
In her previous role, Jennings was responsible for leading the management and operations of Gymnastics Australia’s programs in Melbourne and Perth and led, developed and managed the coaching and support staff.
Jennings, who has played hockey for the Victoria Vipers and Canberra Strikers in the Australian Hockey League, has vast experience in elite sport as an athlete, coach and in strength and conditioning.
She previously worked as Tennis Australia’s National Academy Physical Performance Manager, Essendon Football Club’s High Performance Manager and Performance Manager and the Victorian Institute of Sport’s Physical Preparation Coordinator.
Cumpston added: “We’re really looking forward to Dee coming onboard and returning to the sport where her passion lay.
“Given her vast experience in elite sport and high performance, we know she will be an asset to the team on our quest towards gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.”
Jennings said she was delighted to return to work in hockey which is her passion, having undertaken a PhD in “The GPS Analysis of Elite Level Hockey” at Victoria University four years ago.
“It’s a very exciting opportunity to work with Hockey Australia on their quest to be world leaders again,” Jennings said.
“This role allows me to provide my professional experience and knowledge with my passion for the sport. I’m excited about being able to do that in an elite environment.”
Jennings will be based at HA’s High Performance Unit in Perth and will commence on Wednesday 10 January.
Hockey Australia media release
Olympian Geeta no more
Geeta.
Geeta Biswas (nee Sareen), a former women’s hockey Olympian and international umpire, passed away here on Thursday. She was 64. She is survived by husband Amit and two daughters. Geeta, who was employed with Air India, represented India at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.
The Hindu
Ex-Kenyan international Rodgers Ayuya passes on
By BRIAN YONGA
The hockey fraternity is in mourning yet again following the death of former Kenyan international forward Rodgers Ayuya.
Rodgers, formerly of Western Jaguars, Greensharks, Wazalendo and University of Nairobi hockey clubs, died last night in a tragic road accident along the Bungoma-Mumias road.
According to Western Jaguars team manager Peter Cetera, Rodgers was headed back to Bungoma from Mumias alongside his colleagues, where they took part in an activation process for telecommunication giants Safaricom.
“He was the one driving the vehicle and according to an eye witness, he lost control and the truck hit a tree. Unfortunately, he is the only who lost his life out of the 15 passengers,” Cetera said.
Rodgers honed his skills at Musingu High School, where he led the team to the national title. He joined the University of Nairobi team after clearing High School before moving to Wazalendo and later Greensharks, where he played alongside former internationals Nixon Nyangaga and Leon Magomere.
He was called up to the national team in 2005 for the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa, where he featured alongside Kenyan icons like Zack Aura, Meshack Senge, Saidi Okwemba and Inderjit Matharu among others. He last played competitively for Jaguars during the 2014-15 season.
“He was a very talented player and his dribbling skills were simply out of this world. We shall miss him,” Cetera said. His former clubs Wazalendo and Greensharks also sent condolence messages.
“Greensharks family is shocked to hear of the death of our wonderful former teammate Rodger Ayuya through a tragic accident last night. Rodgers was not just a teammate but a friend to us all at Sharks. Eternal rest grant him and let perpetual light shine upon him - RIP Brother.”
He is survived by a wife and two children.
The news come barely 10 days after another hockey star, USIU Spartans' Martha Masinde, passed away in Bungoma.
Daily Nation