Hockeyroos Round Off 2017 with a Clean Sweep
The Hockeyroos have redeemed themselves after a devastating loss to Japan in the International Festival of Hockey, winning all three games of their recent Test Series against the side in Adelaide.
After losing to Japan 3-2 and resultantly losing their spot in the gold medal match of the International Festival of Hockey, the Hockeyroos came out stronger than ever in South Australia taking the first match of the Series 5-1.
The second Test saw them seal the deal as they raw away with a hard fought, one-goal victory.
Australia came out strong, piling on the pressure in the first half, with Madi Ratcliffe and Western Australian, Kathryn Slattery both finding the back of the net.
The second half saw the Japanese fight back as they managed to slot one before WAIS Hockey athlete, Aleisha Power was forced into making a number of good saves in order to protect her teams lead.
In just her second International appearance, Power proved her worth allowing the Australian’s to hold on to the win and also claim the Series win just two games in.
“Really happy to get the win,” said Kathryn Slattery. “That ties off the Series for us, so that’s a really positive thing.”
“There’s definitely positives to take out of the game. To get that early scoreboard pressure, I think that’s really important.”
Heading into the final game of the Series, the Hockeyroos had nothing to lose and it showed as they produced an outstanding performance which resulted in an 8-1 victory.
“It was pretty good to put eight goals in the back of the net. It’s a great way to finish 2017 with the girls,” said Australia’s Madi Ratcliffe.
“It’s been a really successful Test Series here in Adelaide, especially on the back of the International Festival of Hockey where they got the better of us.”
“It’s a good way to finish off the year.”
The match was an excellent team display form the Hockeyroos, featuring seven different goal scorers, including WA’s Kathryn Slattery.
This Series was the last of 2017 for the Australian Women’s Hockey side as they rest and recover ahead of a big 2018 which will see them compete in both the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast and the Hockey World Cup in London.
Photo c/o Hockey Australia
- Annika Lee-Jones
