Lancaster, PA – After matches against the USA on Monday and Tuesday, it is an off day for Field Hockey Canada Women’s National team; an opportunity to rest, recover and review for the second half of the Canadian-American Series being held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. After falling 7-0 in the first game, Canada showed improvement in game 2 (final score of 4-0 in favour of the USA).
“Tuesday’s performance was a significant step up from Game 1 and it was a well fought battle,” said Ian Rutledge, Head Coach of the Women’s National Team. “To play a Top 10 team at this stage is vital in establishing a baseline assessment of where we are at 4 and a half months out from the Commonwealth Games.”
An always strong American program sees their National team well into there 2014 World Cup preparation, coming into this event with two recently completed series under their belt. The USA Series provides the first competitive opportunity for the Canadians in 2014.
Having only had two full pitch trainings ahead of the series and coming off the back of a rigorous fitness regime, that has the players at their personal best physically, Rutledge commented on the teams performance – “There is no doubt we were under prepared for Monday’s match but it went along way in highlighting our areas for future focus. The improvements between Monday and Tuesday are testament to the athletes work ethic, focus and resilience”.
In Tuesday’s game (the second of four matches) the first half was a closely fought affair, with the USA converting a penalty stroke in the 30th minute, before heading to the break 2-nil up, adding their second on the stroke of half time.
“Our attacking shape was significantly better today, as was our pressing structure,” added Rutledge. “Our focus for this series is on perfecting key components of our game ahead of the upcoming events in late July and early September, and there is nothing like putting our game to the test against a very well prepared and experienced USA team”.
The two teams take a well earned break tomorrow before Thursday’s Game Three and Friday’s Game Four (both played at 6:00PM EST).
“It is important that we continue to improve throughout the series and establish momentum for the year ahead. The players will be working hard to ensure they firstly match today’s effort and then look to progress further by the end of the week”, Rutledge added.
As a key event in the game, deep defender, Sara McManus played very well in her 50th cap, which is an impressive achievement for a 20 year old, playing in a critical high-pressured position.
FHC Women’s National Team – USA Series
1 Lauren Logush (GK)
2 Kaitlyn Williams (GK)
3 Jessica Barnett
4 Danielle Hennig
5 Karli Johansen
6 Kathleen Leahy
7 Sara McManus
8 Kaelan Watson
9 Ashley Kristen
10 Hannah Haughn
11 Abigail Raye
12 Poonam Sandhu
13 Maddie Secco
14 Natalie Sourisseau
15 Kristine Wishart
16 Kate Gillis
17 Stephanie Norlander
18 Brienna Stairs
19 Tegan Stairs
