News for 16 September 2018
All the news for Sunday 16 September 2018
SOMPO CUP Four Nations Women's Hockey Ibaraki International Tournament (JPN) - Finals
Osaka (JPN)
Results 16 September
USA v KOR (3rd/4th Place) 1 - 2
AUS v JPN (Final) 1 - 2
FIH Match Centre
Last Second Goal Lifts Australia Over USWNT at Sompo Cup Four Nations Women's Ibaraki International Tournament
Image Courtesy of Japan Hockey Association/Taku Nishimura
OSAKA, Japan - In contrast to a rain-filled evening match in their last outing, the U.S. Women's National Team took to the pitch for their third game of the Sompo Cup Four Nations Women’s Ibaraki International Tournament against FIH Hero World Ranked No. 3 Australia. In the closely heated match at OIC Field at Osaka Ibaraki Campus in Osaka, Japan, USA tied the game in the 59th minute, but a late surge by Australia resulted in a go-ahead goal to give the Hockeyroos a 2-1 victory.
“We defended a lot better than against Japan and we created some good opportunities," said Janneke Schopman, USWNT Head Coach. "In the fourth quarter we were forced to play more open to create opportunities and that lead to the equalizer."
Australia started the game by taking control in the opening minutes, getting the first circle entry of the match and a shot on goal. USA countered working patiently passing upfield but would lose possession just outside the circle. Meanwhile, the Hockeyroos applied pressure early to USA's defensive unit gaining more entries while also breaking up clearing chances for the red, white and blue. In the 8th minute Jess Jecko (Saquoit, N.Y.) made a diving stop on a bouncing ball, denying Australia's Hayley Padget a chance to redirect it for an early score. Moments later on USA's following possession, a pass by Jill Funk (Lancaster, Pa.) was deflected up, hitting the crossbar with several players believing it to be a USA goal. It was ruled to not have crossed the goal line, keeping the game at 0-0 much to the dismay of USA's offense. The final moments of the opening frame saw Australia threatening with multiple circle entries but could not find a solution to USA's defense as the first 15 minutes concluded.
Holding a slight edge in possession, the Hockeyroos kept the pressure on USA's defense but were met time and time again by a swift moving defensive line. That trend was snapped in the 23rd minute when Australia was awarded the first penalty corner of the match. A well placed insert by Savannah Fitzpatrick was met by Georgina Morgan who struck it into the net for the 1-0 lead. On USA's next possession, Amanda Magadan (Randolph, N.J.) found Kathleen Sharkey (Moosic, Pa.) in front of the net who could not connect on the shot. Moments later, Tara Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) placed the ball in front of the goal to a waiting Catherine Caro (Martinsville, N.J.) but just missed on the redirect play. With time running out in the half, Australia was awarded another penalty corner but could not convert. USA quickly moved back up field as Lauren Moyer (York, Pa.) charged down the near sideline but lost the ball close to the circle. This was the last action of the half as the horn sounded with USA down 0-1.
USA came out strong to open the second half, which saw Laura Hurff (Newark, Del.) with the ball low in the circle but could not find an angle to shoot. The Hockeyroos first chance of the third period came in the 34th minute on a penalty corner but it was miss trapped to end the attempt. They would get another chance in the 36th minute, this time getting the shot away but USA goalkeeper Jecko was there to make the save. USA's penalty corner unit would get their first action of the day in the 41st minute. Anna Dessoye (Mountaintop, Pa.) made the insert, and the initial shot forced Australia goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram to make a body save. The rebound came out to a waiting Sharkey whose shot could not make it through traffic. Moments later on USA's next offensive chance, an alert Dessoye quickly passed to Sharkey who was just inside the circle, hitting an Australian defender's foot to give USA their second penalty corner of the day. A miss trap on the play gave possession right back to Australia, who stormed downfield for two more shots on goal which were denied away by Jecko to end the third period.
Both squads had early chances as the final 15 minutes got underway. Jecko made back-to-back saves in the 54th minute before Australia set up for their fifth penalty corner of the game. USA kept pushing offensively as the clock quickly approached the 57th minute, when a shot by Dessoye went wide of the goal, giving the ball back to Australia. A backhand try by Ambrosia Malone went high above the head of Jecko and out of play to give USA another late chance. On the next possession, Moyer entered the circle and fed Carissa Vittese (Cherry Hill, N.J.) who then passed the ball back behind to Moyer who moved it to an anticipating Taylor West (Pocomoke, Md.) tipping in the ball behind Australia goalkeeper Bartram to tie the game 1-1 in the 59th minute. In the final second Australia sprinted back downfield catching USA with less defenders on a stretched field. Naomi Evans would find the back of the goal to give Australia a 2-1 advantage with just seconds remaining.
The U.S. Women's National Team will play in the 3rd/4th place game on Sunday, September 15 at 12:45 a.m. ET against No. 10 Korea. The two teams previously met in the opening match of the tournament, where USA prevailed 2-1.
#SompoCup
USFHA media release
North Harbour women, Canterbury men lead NHL standings
Capital's goalkeeper Rachel Lilley, left, saves a goal attempt by Auckland's Ghalesha Singh on Sunday. RAGHAVAN VENUGOPAL/PHOTOSPORT
North Harbour and Canterbury lead the respective National Hockey League competitions after the weekend's action.
Harbour are the only team with a perfect record after three games in the women's competition.
They started the weekend with an emphatic 4-1 win over Auckland on Saturday after a hat-trick from Black Stick Kirsten Pearce. They followed that up on Sunday with a resounding 3-0 win over last year's champions Midlands.
Capital's Sara Cooper, centre, celebrates her goal against Auckland on Sunday. RAGHAVAN VENUGOPAL/PHOTOSPORT
Midlands beat Central 2-1 on Saturday, before the latter recovered to beat Southern 1-0 on Sunday.
That moved Central into second on the ladder, one point ahead of Canterbury, who had a pair of shoot-outs over the weekend, beating Capital 3-0 on Saturday before losing 4-3 to Northland on Sunday.
Midlands captain Matt Rees-Gibbs, left, takes on Canterbury's Dominic Newman at the National Hockey Stadium in Wellington on Sunday. RAGHAVAN VENUGOPAL/PHOTOSPORT
Midlands sit fourth on six points, level with Northland. It's then three points back to Capital, with Auckland and Southern completing the standings on two and zero points respectively.
In the men's competition, Canterbury sit top with their perfect three-from-three record.
They were too good for both Auckland and Midlands over the weekend, winning 2-0 and 3-2 respectively, with Richard Bain scoring in both matches.
Sitting just behind them is Capital, who have won both of their matches thus far. They played just once over the weekend, beating North Harbour 3-2 on Saturday thanks to a 43rd-minute winner from Nick Finlayson.
Auckland moved to third after their 4-1 win over Central on Sunday courtesy of a hat-trick from Black Stick Jacob Smith, although they have played at least one more game than every other team.
Harbour, Central and Midlands are all in the hunt for a semifinal spot, while Southern are still looking for their first win, but have only played twice.
AT A GLANCE
Women
Saturday results
Northland 4 (Anna Alexander 40' 56', Anna Cooper 43', Gabrielle Smith 52') Southern 0. HT: 0-0
Canterbury 2 (Leah Butt 34' 46') Capital 2 (Madeleine Simmonds 19' Kelsey Smith 37'). HT: 0-1. Canterbury won shoot-out 3-0
Midlands 2 (Natasha Fitzsimons 8' Georgia Morton 11') Central 1 (Kaitlin Cotter 26'). HT: 2-1
North Harbour 4 (Kirsten Pearce 44' 45' 48', Holly Pearson 18') Auckland 1 (Katie Doar 23'). HT: 1-1
Sunday results
Northland 2 (Tina Taseska 3' Gabrielle Smith 58') Canterbury 2 (Margot Willis 44' Jordy Grant 60'). HT: 1-0. Northland won shoot-out 4-3
Central 1 (Sulette Damons 51') Southern 0. HT: 0-0
Capital 2 (Sara Cooper 21', Estelle Macadre 43') Auckland 2 (Ghalesha Singh 30', Tyler Lench 33'). HT: 1-1. Capital won shoot-out 4-1
North Harbour 3 (Holly Pearson 39' 44', Kirsten Pearce 45') Midlands 0. HT: 0-0
Standings: Harbour 12, Central 8, Canterbury 7, Northland 6, Midlands 6, Capital 3, Auckland 2, Southern 0
Men
Saturday results
Canterbury 2 (David Brydon 28', Richard Bain 55') Auckland 0. HT: 1-0
Central 3 (Dylan Thomas 20' 59', Sam Hiha 50') Southern 0. HT: 1-0
Capital 3 (Daniel Harris 20', Rowan Yeo 24', Nick Finlayson 43') North Harbour 2 (Cory Bennett 29', Robbie Capizzi 40'). HT: 2-1
Sunday results
Canterbury 3 (Joshua Pollard 3', Trent Summers 10', Richard Bain 26') Midlands 2 (Mark Weber 29', Maks Wydnham-Smith 58'). HT: 3-1
Auckland 4 (Jacob Smith 25' 43' 55', Arun Panchia 37') Central 1 (Jason Peel 13'). HT: 1-1
Standings: Canterbury 12*, Capital 8**, Auckland 6, North Harbour 5*, Central 4*, Midlands 4*, Southern 0**. *game in hand, **two games in hand
Stuff
IOC tames Army, meets Railways
Experience to the fore as the side overturns a 4-2 deficit
K. Keerthivasan
Slamming home: Gurjinder Singh scores off a penalty.
Under extreme pressure, it is usually experience that bails a team out.
IOC, out-run and outplayed by the Indian Army in the first half, bounced back to script a 5-4 win and reach the final of the MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup 92nd all-India hockey tournament here on Saturday.
In the final, it will meet Indian Railways which drubbed Punjab & Sind Bank (PSB) 4-0.
The fitter and faster of the two teams, Army also proved to be better in terms of strategy and execution for most parts of the first session. After IOC’s Arman Qureshi had deflected home off a penalty corner taken by V.R. Raghunath, Army came up with three quick strikes in the space of 12 minutes. Army held the upper-hand, thanks to Manpreet Singh in the midfield.
Army didn’t allow IOC much leeway either in attack or defence, enjoying a 3-1 lead at half-time and a 4-2 advantage midway in the second.
The turnaround
The turning point came in the 54th minute when Gurjinder Singh dragged the ball to the left corner of the roof to reduce the margin for IOC. Earlier, Raghunath had missed two back-to-back corners and pressure was building on Army. It began to yield possession to IOC, allowing the “champion” — as IOC coach Deepak Thakur likes to call his team — to attack with vigour.
The momentum shifted and in the final 20 minutes, it was IOC which completely dominated the proceedings.
Gurjinder converted a penalty stroke to level things before Affan Yousuf pushed home off a cross from the right by Vikramjit Singh.
Railways, an explosive team with players possessing sublime skills and top-notch fitness, didn’t give PSB even a whiff of a chance in the other semifinal.
The results (semifinals):
IOC 5 (Arman Qureshi 4 & 42, Gurjinder Singh 54 & 61, Affan Yousuf 63) bt Indian Army 4 (Sajeeb Dung Dung 20, Biraj Ekka 27, Sanjay Toppo 32, Gurpreet Singh 50).
Indian Railways 4 (Nilakanta Sharma 8, Harsahib Singh 14 & 31, Rajin Kandulna 36) bt PSB 0.
The Hindu
Titans beat Multimedia University in Super League
By Elizabeth Mburugu
Strathmore Yvonne Karanja(l) and Multi Media Shirley Nahaf fight for the ball. PHOTO: JENIPHER WACHIE
Kenyatta University (KU) Titans yesterday beat Multimedia University (MMU) 2-0 in a Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) women’s Super League match at City Park.
The win saw the Titans, who were second before the match, leapfrog newcomers Lakers. Two goals from Laurine Makokha and captain Gloria Juma earned KU crucial points and increased their chances of earning a promotion to the Kenya Hockey Union Premier League. Titans top the standings with 13 points, just a point over Lakers who lie second while University of Nairobi are third with nine. Captain Juma said they aim is to play in the top tier next season.
“We want to return to the Premier League and we are focused on working our way up the ladder. Having played in the Premier League last season before the formation of the Super League we desire to return to the top league and I am glad we are well on course to making it happen,” Juma said.
Makokha fired Titans intentions five minutes into play after outclassing the MMU defence and beating goalkeeper Faith Muvei to slot in the opening goal. MMU, who are fifth on the log with seven points, and until yesterday were unbeaten tightened defence and played offensively.
The Standard Online
Poulenc honoured for 36 years with French hockey
©: Frank Uijlenbroek / World Sport Pics
French hockey has honoured Pascal Poulenc for his life in hockey after 36 years of service to the national federation as he officially retires this month
He has been involved in hockey since the 1970s and was part of the Saint Germain and FC Lyon clubs, winning 10 national titles and rising to be an international player.
He went on to be a coach with the national women’s team and a coach educator as well as coaching Saint Germain’s men’s first team in the EHL. With Saint Ger, he won two national titles.
In total, he has spent 36 years working with FFH in a variety of different roles, coaching the Under-15, 16 and 18 girls and managing the Under-21 and 18 boys.
The French season is in its second week with Racing Club de France set to face Lille MHC while Saint Ger host Valenciennes on Sunday.
Euro Hockey League media release
Focus now on WC: Sreejesh
Enough opportunities ahead to make Tokyo Olympics, says India captain
Stan Rayan
Confident: P.R. Sreejesh believes India should put the Asiad disappointment behind and look ahead. Photo Credit: Stan Rayan
They scored loads of goals, even broke the World record while doing so, but one loss undid all the good work the Indian men’s hockey team had done at the recent Asian Games in Jakarta.
The painful semifinal loss to Malaysia spoiled India’s chances of booking an automatic berth to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Many feel the qualification road to Tokyo will be tough and complicated, but India captain P.R. Sreejesh does not think so.
Learning curve
“The Asian Games was the easiest opportunity for us to qualify for the Olympics, we missed that, but that was not our last chance. Rather than worrying about what happened in Jakarta, we should learn from the mistakes there,” said Sreejesh, also India’s goalkeeper, in a chat with The Hindu here.
“We are not too concerned right now about Olympic qualification because we have two more years and a few more events for that,” he said.
The focus is on the World Cup, which begins in Bhubaneswar on November 28, and next month’s Asian Champions Trophy in Muscat.
“For the Asian Champions Trophy, we can use the preparations we had done for the Asian Games. But the World Cup is a major event and we are also the host. So definitely, we want to perform well and finish on the podium,” said the 30-year-old.
Though Sreejesh’s immediate thoughts are not on Tokyo 2020, Japan is very much on his mind.
For, though World No. 5 India had blanked Japan 8-0 in the league phase at Jakarta, the latter bounced back stunningly to take its maiden Asiad gold. “We should learn a lot from the way the Japanese played the final against Malaysia.
“They were down 2-5, but bounced back to finish 6-6 (scoring the last goal with 20 seconds to go), and won the title in a shootout,” said Sreejesh.
“They had that something that made them give hundred per cent till the last minute. That is what we want to do.”
Against Malaysia, India conceded a last-minute goal in the semifinal and then lost the shootout and the only consolation was the victory over Pakistan that brought the bronze.
On Sardar Singh
Sreejesh said though Sardar Singh had decided to call it a day, he would continue to inspire players.
“He took the call and I appreciate that. He’s a legend. I think every player should mark him as their idol.”
The Hindu
Hockey India congratulates Sardar Singh for his long-serving contribution
Hockey India on Friday congratulated the stalwart midfielder Sardar Singh, who recently announced his retirement from the international hockey, for giving 12 long years in the service of the game.
The 32-year-old had informed the Hockey India about his decision to retire through a formal letter on Wednesday. He later announced the same on Thursday through a press conference at Chandigarh.
Calling the former skipper a true ambassador of the game, president of Hockey India Rajinder Singh stated that with his exemplified determination and dedication, he inspired an entire generation to have a positive attitude towards Hockey.
The president further wished the Khel Ratna awardee for his future endeavors.
"In the best and worst of times, Sardar Singh has exemplified steely determination. His qualities and dedication as a player make him a true ambassador of the game. He has inspired an entire generation of youngsters with his performances and as Captain, he led the team to one of the biggest victories at the 2014 Asian Games," Rajinder Singh said.
"He has been part of Indian Hockey's resurgence and elevation in World Ranking. His contribution to the sport will be cherished and Hockey India would like to congratulate him for his achievements and wish him the very best for his future endeavors," he added.
The legendary player has been part of India's important feats in the past decade, having won Silver medal at 2010 and 2014 Commonwealth Games, two Asia Cup Gold (in 2007 and 2017) and a silver (2013), Gold at the 2014 Asian Games, Bronze at the World League Final in Raipur 2015 and Silver Medal at the 2011 Champions Challenge.
In 2018, he was part of the Indian team that won a Silver Medal at the FIH Champions Trophy in Breda 2018, Bronze Medal at the 18th Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang 2018.
Sardar was born to a humble farmer's family and played his first international match with the junior national team during India's 2003-04 tour of Poland. He made his Senior India debut in 2006 against Pakistan at the bilateral series and also led the Indian team at the 2008 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup.
He was awarded player of the tournament in the 2012 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, 2012 London Olympics Qualifiers and 2010 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. In 2010, Sardar was included in the 2010 and 2011 FIH All-Star Team and won the Asian Men Player of the Year 2012.
He was conferred with the prestigious Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in 2017 and was earlier awarded the Padma Shri in 2015. He is currently employed with Haryana Police as Deputy Superintendent.
Business Standard
Sardar Singh on his retirement: I wanted to continue but couldn't digest Asiad loss
Sardar Singh , PTI
Quite like the beginning and the dozen years that followed, the end of Sardar Singh's journey in international hockey was understated, contrasting with the hype that often marks the culmination of a great career.
What was there, instead, was a simple goodbye and gratitude. A third Olympic appearance did not materialise but Sardar, nonetheless, walked into the sunset after a stellar 12-year career during which he not only established himself as a face of Indian hockey but also as a global star.
Sardar was eager to continue till the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but destiny had other plans as he called time at 32, after a disappointing Asian Games campaign where India failed to defend its title. Many feel that Sardar was made a scapegoat for India's disastrous campaign and was forced to retire but by his own admission, the loss to Malaysia in the Asiad semifinal triggered thoughts of retirement.
"I wanted to continue and I feel I had some more years of hockey left in me but I just couldn't digest the loss to Malaysia. I couldn't sleep for days after that loss. That was the trigger," Sardar told PTI.
He played hockey like a king and goes away after a career during which he led India to Asian Games gold in Incheon (2014) besides two bronze medals in 2010 and 2018. He won two Commonwealth Games silver, a historic silver in the Champions Trophy (2018 Breda), two Asia Cup titles and numerous other trophies.
At 32, Sardar left behind a rich legacy, having led the side for eight years from 2008 till handing over the responsibility to P R Sreejesh in 2016. He was a talismanic midfielder who played the game on his own terms with fitness being key to his success.
Sardar was among the fittest players in the squad and registered a score of 21.4 in the Yo-Yo fitness test before the Asian Games. He not only bettered his own record of 21.3 but also surpassed the fitness freak Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli, considered one of the country's fittest athlete.
Throughout his 12-year career, Sardar was held in high esteem by the hockey world, for his midfield control and precision passing. His stature can be gauged from the fact that at his prime Sardar was included in the FIH All-Star team for consecutive years in 2010 and 2011, a feat very few hockey player of India has achieved.
Sardar was an epitome of hard work and dedication. During his entire career, he usually was the first player to reach the ground for practice sessions and the last one to leave, a fact confirmed by his own teammates. From the time he hits the turf in training sessions, Sardar puts his head down and goes about his business with dedication.
"Sardar paaji sabse jyaada serious rehte hain training mein. (Sardar's is the most serious in training sessions," young striker Dilpreet Singh had once said.
Daily News & Analysis
Sachin Tendulkar inspired me to make comeback after CWG snub: Sardar Singh
Sardar Singh , AFP
He was low on confidence after the Commonwealth Games snub earlier this year but a telephonic chat with the iconic Sachin Tendulkar motivated Sardar Singh to work hard towards regaining his place in the national team.
Sardar, 32, walked into the sunset on Wednesday after a glorious 12-year career following a disastrous Asian Games campaign, where India failed to defend its title and returned home with a consolation bonze.
Left out of India's squad for this year's Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Sardar sought advise from Tendulkar and the legend's tips worked wonders for the former hockey captain as he made a successful comeback into the side for the Champions Trophy, where he helped India win a historic silver.
"Sachin paaji has been an inspiration for me. He helped me a lot in the last 3-4 months, which were tough," Sardar told reporters during his first interaction in New Delhi with reporters post retirement.
"There has never been an occasion when he didn't answer my call. After I was dropped from CWG squad, I was very low and called Sachin paaji and asked him what he used to do when he scored 0. He counselled me for close to 20 minutes and advised me to forget about criticisms and stay motivated and focussed. He told me to analyse my old videos, play my natural hockey and it helped me in bouncing back," he added.
Sardar was a livewire in the midfield during his 12-year stellar career during which he led India to Asian Games gold in Incheon (2014) besides two bronze medals in 2010 and 2018. He won two Commonwealth Games silver, a historic silver in the Champions Trophy (2018 Breda), two Asia Cup titles and numerous other trophies.
But not having won an Olympic and a World Cup medal besides International Hockey Federation (FIH) Player of the Year award still remains a regret for the talismanic midfielder. "I always wanted to win the FIH 'Player of the Year' award once but it will remain a dream. I also wanted to win an Olympic and World Cup medal. These will remain as my biggest regrets," Sardar said.
Many feel that Sardar was made a scapegoat for India's disastrous campaign and was forced to retire but he reiterated that it was his personal decision as mentally he was done with the game. "Initially, I had planned to play till 2020 Olympics but after failing to win the Asiad gold, the entire plan changed. I faced a lot of hardships in life but day-by-day it was becoming difficult for me to think over my game. Every night thinking about next day's training, about passes not going well started taking a toll on me mentally," he said.
"In these last 12 years, I have managed a lot of stress but not anymore. It was a hard and difficult decision. I will miss hockey, I will miss those training sessions and the dressing room environment. But every beautiful thing has to end somewhere."
Sardar, however, feels that at least core players should be given guarantee of their places without putting pressure after a bad outing. "Yes, I do feel there is plenty of pressure on a player. At least 10-11 players should be sure of their places in the team because pressure plays a lot on your mind if you are in uncertainty," he said.
The former captain said he has left Indian hockey in good shape and the team now needs to do minor corrections and adjustments to be medal contenders in big events. "When we started, India was around 13 or 14th ranked in the world. We have made giant strides from there in the past 4-5 years. We have started playing semi-finals. But we need to know how to win big games and kill time in the final stages when we are leading," Sardar said.
Sardar said post retirement he will continue to play in European leagues and will try to tie up with best foreign clubs and bring in good coaches for Indian youngsters.
Daily News & Analysis
After Kapil Dev, Ajit Agarkar, here is another retired Indian sportsperson who might take up golf professionally
Even though Sardar Singh has retired from international hockey, he does not want to leave the curvy stick so soon with a minor change.
Sardar has revealed that he is eyeing to take up golf professionally.
“I will continue playing club hockey and also learn golf along the way. It's true that I will try to pursue golf as a career. Let's see,” former Indian hockey captain said.
Golf’s popularity among retired sportspersons in India has increased after the likes of Kapil Dev and Ajit Agarkar recently made their debut in professional golf. India’s World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev played the 2018 Asia Pacific Seniors, while Mumbai legend Agarkar had qualified for the Indian final of the BMR World Corporate Golf Challenge.
Speaking to media on Saturday, Sardar said, “When I was left out from CWG, I called Sachin paaji. I was feeling very distraught. I asked him that what he used to do when he scored 0. He bucked me up and said that people criticise a lot on your bad performance. He spoke to me for a long time and told me to forget all criticisms, analyse my performance by watching old videos and play your natural game. It has helped me a lot in the last four to five months."
Calling Sachin as his inspiration, Sardar said that his pep talk with the master blaster helped him to bounce back and rejuvenated his confidence.
In July, Sardar had led the Indian hockey team to a historic silver after losing to powerhouses Australia in the finals of the Champions Trophy in Breda, The Netherlands, via a 3-1 penalty shootout.
Commenting on his retirement, the 32-year-old said it was a hard decision. He said, "I took this decision after consulting with my coaches, senior players, family and friends. I'll miss the dressing room and the time spent with the team. But it had to happen one day. It?s time to spend time with my family. Special thanks to all for your support."
Daily News & Analysis
Player-coach Jo Ellis targets promotion for Reading
Dave Wright.
JO Ellis is determined to repay the faith shown in her by Reading Hockey Club,
She has returned to Sonning Lane in a new role of player-coach with the Blues aiming to climb back into the Investec League’s Premier Division.
“It goes without saying I am pleased to be back at Reading,” said Leeds-born Ellis, who left in 2011 to join Buckingham and then two years later returning to Yorkshire to play for Ben Rydding.
She has returned south as her fiance has moved down here for work.
“This is the club I wanted to come back and play for,” she said. “There are some old faces around, but quite a few new faces as well.
“Reading have shown a lot of faith in me and I want to repay them. I am part of a programme looking to take the ladies’ section forward and back up to the Premier Division as we feel that’s where this club should be.”
The Blues, who finished runners-up in Conference West last season, saw a number of players depart during the summer, but have recruited well with their star signing being goalkeeper Amy Tennant, who has made 11 appearances for England.
“It’s great to have her at Reading,” said Ellis, a former England and GB international.
“We’ve now got two really class goalkeepers in Amy and Aurora (Mears) and they are going to be battling for that No. 1 spot, which will bring the best out of both.
“It is always nice to know you have strong goalkeepers behind the team.”
Zoe Hopkinson is coming back from Australia to play and Ellis hopes a second Aussie will be flying over later this month.
But flying in the opposite direction is former long-serving skipper and team doctor Emma Thomas, who has gone to Australia to work.
Taking over the captain’s armband is Esme Swindells, who Ellis describes as a “strong player with a likeable character.”
Reading's opening Conference West fixture is against Swansea City at Sonning Lane on September 29 (1.30pm).
The Reading Chronicle
No. 3 Maryland field hockey opens Big Ten play with easy 5-1 win over Michigan State
By Lila Bromberg
Defender Kelee Lepage drives the ball past a defender during Maryland's 3-0 victory over Michigan State in the first round of the Big Ten tournament on Oct. 29, 2017. (Marquise McKine/The Diamondback)
In the first 19 minutes against Michigan State, Maryland field hockey took 10 shots but couldn't convert a goal. Then, in just a two-second span on the game clock, the Terps had two goals.
Defender Sophie Giezeman scored at the 19:19 mark, and the Terps received a penalty corner the next second, which forward Linnea Gonzales converted to give Maryland a 2-0 lead.
The No. 3 Terps scored one more time in the first half before allowing Michigan State its first goal late in the period. But that would be the only goal allowed for the Spartans. Maryland scored twice more and held the Spartans scoreless in the second half en route to a 5-1 win over Michigan State.
The victory marks Maryland's eighth straight win on the season to continue its undefeated run. The Big Ten win also secures the Terps' spot at the top of the conference standings.
"That first goal was kind of like the icebreaker for us. And after that first one, we kept up the intensity and the energy just shot up after that," forward Linnea Gonzales said. "We need to bring that out from the start and not just look for us to have to score to have that energy."
Maryland dominated the Spartans in shots, not allowing Michigan State a look at goal until the ninth minute into the contest, and its first shot on goal came in the 23rd. Maryland outshot the Spartans, 22-6.
Maryland also excelled in its 10 penalty corner opportunities. The team couldn't find a way to score on its first three, but had success after that. While the Terps only scored directly on one, they had four goals on shots immediately following those corners.
"One of the greatest things we did was our attack penalty corner. … I was very impressed with that execution," coach Missy Meharg said. "We're getting at a place that's pretty sophisticated and I wouldn't be surprised if Maryland has if not the highest execution in the country or probably one of the top two."
Meharg credited the team's performance on the corners to assistant coach Marvin Bam, who oversees that area of play and plans each strategy.
Gonzales led the Terps offensively with two goals, giving her the team-lead with eight.
"Linnea is a phenomenal player," forward Mayv Clune said. "She just has so much experience and such good stickwork. She just helps the team out so much, and whether it is playing in a forward position or a center-mid, she can pretty much do anything. … As a forward, for me, that's comforting, knowing that I have someone like that on the line."
Defenders Bodil Keus and Nike Lorenz also had big contributions for Maryland. Keus notched two assists while Lorenz scored one goal and added an assist.
Lorenz only had limited time in play though. In the second half, the junior fell and was kicked in the head by a Michigan State player. Lorenz remained sidelined for the remainder of the contest.
Meharg said the coaching and training staff are still in the process of evaluating the injury and are being very careful due to the nature of head injuries. The team's second leading scorer is alert, though, according to Meharg.
The Diamondback