Hockeyroos Select Squad for Champions Challenge

The Hockeyroos have announced a squad for the Women’s Hockey Champions Challenge in Dublin, Ireland from 29 September to 7 October.

Coming off a fifth place in the recent London Olympic Games, on rankings the Australian Women’s Hockey team will be well placed to win the Champions Challenge and secure a place at the prestigious Women’s Hockey Champions Trophy 2014, to be played in Argentina.

However, all teams will be aiming for the same prize, including the world-ranked number 10 South Africa and hosts Ireland who will be out to spoil the Australian plans.

Included in the travelling Hockeyroos squad are AIS-WAIS athletes Fiona Boyce and Kobie McGurk.

Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens has selected 11 of the 16 players who competed at the London Olympic Games. Olympic reserve player Emily Hurtz has been included in the squad to travel to Ireland and will be itching to prove herself after having to settle with watching from the grandstands in London.

South Australian Bianca Greenshields and Victorian’s Rachael Lynch and Claire Messent will be welcome returns to the National team.

“Messent has been a regular fixture in the Hockeyroos team of late and has been a consistent performer over the last 12 months.” Commens said.

“We are trying to consolidate our three goalkeepers and Lynch has earned her spot through hard work,” said Commens.

National Development squad players Jordyn Holzberger and Karri McMahon will also make the trip to Ireland.

“We have selected a couple of young players in Holzberger (Jordyn) and McMahon (Karri). McMahon will make her debut for the Hockeyroos off the back of an excellent year and outstanding junior training camp last week. Karri is a strong defender who will slot in nicely to our existing structures,” said Commens.

– Hockey Australia