Exhibition Game 1 vs Australia

Last night was game one for our squad against Australia. Since these matches are exhibition leading up to the test series our coaches are rotating a lot of new and young players into the mix. The goal is to give everyone a chance to face the Auzzies but come Thursday, it will be the top 10 on court players that suit up for Canada.

Nerves were rolling in as game time drew nearer. A pretty terrible uniform combination didn't help matters. Awkward size medium cotton t-shirts on everyone were the tops and the skirts looked like they were from the 80's but someone hauled them out of their basement just for us. They are poofy, empire wasted and come down to my knees. The worst part is the t-shirt almost covers the skirt. Oh well, at least my socks are looking pretty fly. I'm trying to tell myself that looks don't matter but we've decided that if you look good, you feel good and then you play good. Maybe we'll believe in that AFTER this week.

My Game Report - Exhibition Game 1 vs. Australia

Yesterday Amanda and I scouted the Australian team as they were practicing at U of T. We noticed a few things. They have a really good center player, Melissa Eastwood and she is also their captain. Also, they are really good at hitting the deep board and one timing the ball on net or to the stroke for a one timer in.

Game 1 Roster:
Amanda Stone (GK) **started
Britt Blount (GK)
Emily Rix (DEF) **started
Angela Lancaster (MID) **started
Jenna Adleman (DEF)
Kri Shier (DEF)
Kristina DoRosario (FWD)
Ali Lee (DEF) **started
Malinda Hapuarachchi (FWD) **started
Hannah Tighe (FWD) **started
Cassandra Mendonca (FWD)
Erin Houle (FWD)

The opening whistle showed Canada's youth and inexperience as the Australian's were able to cause a lot of havoc up front. The ball was frantically passed in and amongst the Canadian side with the Australian's being able to jump on most. Amanda Stone was called on early to make some key saves in the opening minutes of the game but soon after, the Canadians were able to settle down and generate some possession. Most of the attack came from the green and yellow side but the Canadians did well with the youth they had up front. For the majority of the squad, this was the first taste of international experience they have ever had. The score was only 1-0 for Australia at half and that goal came on a Canadian turnover with an attack down the ride side and a quick pass back and across. Amanda Stone was almost quick enough to get back for the save.

Half time the talk was mostly governed around generating an attack, trying to have more possession in the back and better rotation up front. The Auzzie side did capitalize on 3 more goals, two of which came off penalty corners. The two corner goals were flicks to the goalie's non-stick side - one top corner and one just above the back board. I was playing post and I was able to save a drag flick on the line and the ball hit my stick and went soaring up and over the net. The final goal was a bit unfortunate because Malinda Hapuarachchi was playing Right D and she made a great run up the court but the ball went off the endline. The Right forward didn't reposition to be the right D while Malinda was getting back and they took a quick free hit to someone sitting in our circle. I was the Left D marking the forward coming in and so the girl was one on one with Britt Blount (goalie) and she put it in past her on the near side just half a foot off the ground. I don't think Britt knew I was marking the middle of the D because she gave her near side a little too much. Our goal came as a result of two corners we got. Cassandra Mendonca pulled out to Malinda, who stick stopped, and Emily Rix laid the ball off left to me. I one timed it towards the goal and the defender that saved it deflected the ball up a bit so we got a second corner. We ran the same option but this time I flicked it and the ball went straight into the defender's stomach. Unfortunately for her, it was a stroke. Emily Rix made no mistake on the stroke, blasting the ball stick side high. The final score was 4-1. We have a lot to work on but Game 2 is expected to show 80% more of the junior kids to give them a run against Australia and for the seniors to get some rest before the Series really begins.

I ended up playing the whole game and even won Player of the Game for my team. It came with a drawstring field hockey Canada bag.

Looking forward to game 2 tonight :)

There are some pretty bad updates on the FHC site and I would write game write-ups but I don't think I can keep track of what's going on as well in indoor. It's too fast :S