Professional League: Australia Take First Blood In opposition to Argentina

The Hockeyroos have jumped to inside three factors of high spot on the FIH Professional League standings with a formidable 2-0 defeat of defending champions Argentina in entrance of a passionate dwelling crowd in Hobart.

A primary worldwide aim from 19-year-old Hannah Cullum-Sanders within the 2nd minute set the tone for the Hockeyroos on an evening when Abby Wilson and hometown favorite Maddison Brooks made their debuts.

The Hockeyroos thought they’d doubled their benefit earlier than quarter time when Amy Lawton had an effort disallowed.

However the dwelling aspect didn’t want to attend lengthy with Renee Taylor flicking really above the goalkeeper’s proper shoulder to make it 2-0 after 18 minutes.

The Hockeyroos would subsequent be denied with consecutive penalty nook efforts by the video referee on evaluation, with Grace Younger and Grace Stewart each luckless.

Their fortune sparked Argentina to raise to a different gear and apply strain on the Hockeyroos aim.

Goalkeeper Aleisha Energy was very good in aim, duly supported by saves on the aim line from Taylor and Participant of the Match Penny Squibb to take care of the Hockeyroos’ two aim buffer on the principal break.
 
The world quantity two ranked guests continued to press ahead in waves chasing a manner again into the match, however Energy was impenetrable to disclaim all eight opposition set items and maintain a clear sheet.

The house crowd have been almost dropped at their ft within the closing quarter as 18-year-old Brooks virtually turned dwelling a waist-high cross from Stewart, earlier than the house aspect closed out an essential victory.

“It’s all the time such a privilege to stroll out with individuals enjoying their first recreation, and even their one centesimal or two hundredth, so it was actually particular, particularly Maddi Brooks in her dwelling state,” stated Energy.
 
“It was actually cool to be part of it and Abby Wilson virtually scored a aim on debut, so there was quite a lot of good vibes on the market.”

On a private degree, Energy was stoked to register a clear sheet after getting back from harm.
 
“I used to be actually excited to get on the market. It was my first Professional League recreation and there was a little bit of vitality on the market with the ladies and I used to be excited to be part of it.”

“I’ve had a couple of niggles, I did my hamstring, so there was quite a lot of rehabbing and getting match once more, however I really feel very snug and like I’m on the identical degree that I used to be final 12 months and was able to go.”

The Hockeyroos will again up tomorrow to tackle the USA at 5pm AEDT.

Match Particulars
Hockeyroos 2 (Cullum-Sanders 2’, Taylor 18’)
Argentina 0
@ Tasmanian Hockey Centre

Hockeyroos: 1.Claire Colwill, 4.Amy Lawton, 5.Grace Younger, 6.Penny Squibb, 7.Aleisha Energy (gk), 8.Georgia Wilson, 9.Shanea Tonkin, 11.Meg Pearce, 13.Hattie Shand, 21.Renee Taylor, 24.Mariah Williams, 28.Hannah Cullum-Sanders, 29.Rebecca Greiner, 30.Grace Stewart, 35.Maddison Brooks, 44.Abby Wilson
Unused substitutes: 12.Greta Hayes, 41.Zoe Newman (gk)

Hockey Australia