Hockeyroos Lose US Test Series

The Hockeyroos have lost its test series 2-1 against the USA on the Sunshine Coast despite a 3-0 win in the third and final match.

Hockeyroos goal keeper Rachael Lynch saved everything the USA could throw at her to lead Australia to the 3-0 success, whilst Emily Hurtz, Claire Messent and Jade Close were on the scoresheet.

The Australians fired from the outset and had the USA on the back foot right from the get go, something Hockeyroos Coach Adam Commens said was a key focus.

“In the first two matches we came out strong in the second half, so we spoke about wanting to get off to a good start and we certainly did that tonight,” he said.

The Hockeyroos picked up the tempo from the first whistle and looked like a completely different outfit.

Striker Emily Hurtz opened the scoring with a well executed penalty corner drag flick before the team raced to a 2-0 lead, when three minutes later Claire Messent sent home a field goal.

“There has been at least three players who have been a little down in other series but tonight they put their hand up and made our task that much more difficult to select teams going forward,” Commens said.

“Rachael Lynch is an experienced keeper and we expect those type of performances from her week in, week out.”

USA coach Lee Bodimeade said although he was pleased with the series win, when the Hockeyroos scored two goals in quick succession it meant his girls had to play catch up.

“Our ability to close down Australia’s midfield let us down tonight.” he said.

“On any given day you have to be on your game or a top 10 team will punish you.”

Striker Jade Close sent home a penalty corner rebound to round out the scoring and a dominant display from the Hockeyroos.

Hockey Australia has released details of the squad to tour New Zealand next week for a four nations tournament against the USA, India and hosts new Zealand.

Senior players including Captain Madonna Blyth, Casey Eastham and AIS-WAIS athlete Kobie McGurk, who were rested for the Sunshine Coast tournament, will re-join the group to take on the USA, NZ and India.

Hockeyroos Coach Adam Commens said the whole squad had worked hard and put their hands up, which made the selection process difficult.

“Some who may have been thought of as fringe players really pressed for selection,” he said.

“I’m proud of how hard all the girls have worked.”

The Hockeyroos face the USA in the first match of the series on April 12.

McGurk will be joined by fellow AIS-WAIS athletes Fiona Boyce, Hope Munro, Ashleigh Nelson and Jayde Taylor.

Team Selected:

Teneal Attard (QLD), Madonna Blyth (QLD), Fiona Boyce (WA), Jade Close (NSW), Toni Cronk (NSW) GK, Casey Eastham (NSW), Anna Flanagan (ACT), Jordyn Holzberger (QLD), Kobie McGurk (WA), Hope Munro (WA), Georgia Nanscawen (VIC), Ashleigh Nelson (WA), Megan Rivers (NSW), Jodie Schulz (QLD), Emily Smith (NSW), Jayde Taylor (WA), Jade Warrender (NSW), Ashlee Wells (VIC).

– Hockey Australia