Jillaroos Power to Victory

Western Australian Aleisha Power played a star role as Australia secured bronze at the Junior Hockey World Cup in Santiago, Chile.

Power saved three consecutive penalty strokes in sudden death as the Jillaroos secured a tense 3-1 shootout win over Spain, after the third place playoff had ended in a 1-1 draw in regulation time.

Despite large periods of pressure from Australia, Spain held the in-form Oceania giants to a 1-1 draw and forced the bronze medal match to shootout.

Here the Jillaroos held their nerve as they won the penalty shoot-out 3-1, with Power dominant in goal for Australia, ending a fantastic campaign by being named Best Goal Keeper for the tournament.

Spain had earlier taken a sixth minute lead, when Florencia Amundson converted from a penalty corner attempt.

Australia equalised through Laura Gray after 28 minutes but could not find a winner, despite numerous attempts.

In the shootout, Power was bested by Begona Garcia first up, but then thwarted efforts from Belen Iglesias, Lucia Jimenez and Clara Ycart as Australia secured the win with goals to Kristina Bates, Kaitlin Nobbs and Mariah Williams.

For Australia, this was the first medal at the Hockey Junior World Cup level since 2001, when they also collected bronze.

Spain meanwhile secured their highest finish at this event in their history.

Rio Olympian Mariah Williams said Australia had worked hard for their success and stayed strong when it counted most.

“Spain really gave it to us the whole game. Luckily we were good enough to put it away in the shootout.”

In the gold medal match, Argentina defeated the Netherlands 4-2 to win their first junior title in 23 years.

Photos: FIH