Hockeyroos Bounce Back to Claim Victory over Japan

The Hockeyroos have opened their Test Series against Japan with success, claiming a 5-1 win in Adelaide on Wednesday night.

After a shattering loss to the Japanese side in the International Festival of Hockey, ruling the Australians out of gold medal contention, the Hockeyroos have bounced back in game one of their three match test series against Japan.

Australia’s side boasted 10 players aged 21 or under with two young up-and-coming talents making their debuts in Mikaela Patterson and WA goalkeeper, Aleisha Power.

The Hockeyroos flew out of the gates racing ahead to a 3-0 lead in the first 17 minutes of the game.

A good save from Power in the third held off the Japanese and allowed the home side to step out their lead to 4-0 as Emily Hurtz managed to find the net in the 43rd minute.

Australia scored their last goal from a penalty corner in the final quarter before Japan hit back to score one in the final minutes of the game.

After the game Aleisha Power said “it was a good start. It was a little disappointing that they got a goal.”

“We got a lot of goals in the first half. We were hoping to take the win considering they beat us last week at the International Festival of Hockey.”

Having played both the first and third quarters in her debut Power said “it’s probably the best feeling I’ve ever experienced.”

“I think I’ve dreamed about this moment for a really long time. To be in the moment, it’s not what you expect, I was very overwhelmed but excited.” 

The Hockeyroos take on Japan in the second game of the Series later today, at 4:30pm (AWST). 

• Annika Lee-Jones