New era for Black Sticks Women

Black Sticks Women’s head coach Mark Hager has named 12 debutantes for next month’s test series against Malaysia in Taranaki.

The series will see the Kiwis play five tests against the Malaysians at the TET Multisports Centre in Stratford from 12-18 December.

Following on from last week’s 2-1 series win against the Hockeyroos at the Ford Trans-Tasman Trophy, Hager will continue giving some of the country’s top young talent international experience.

From the squad of 22 players, none have played more than 100 tests with striker Samantha Harrison the most experience with 96 caps while Kirsten Pearce is the sole representative from the Rio Olympic team.

It will be an enticing hit-out and progression for several talented young players who are competing at this week’s Women’s Junior World Cup in Chile.

Coach Hager said the time is right to continue the evolution of the Black Sticks group with the Tokyo Olympic Games looming in four years.

“The players selected for this series are with an eye to the future and maintaining competition for positions will continue to develop depth within our playing group,” he said.

“Malaysia will be a good challenge for this group as they have shown excellent progress over 2016.

“To be able to provide an opportunity for 12 debutantes is exciting and builds on our philosophy post Rio of providing opportunity for the wider group.”

Presale tickets from just $5 will go on sale early next week through www.hockeynz.co.nz

The series is proudly supported by the Taranaki Electricty Trust (TET).



BLACK STICKS WOMEN

Malaysia Series, Taranaki
 
SHIRT #         PLAYER NAME            REGION          POSITION                 AGE                      CAPS

15                 Jess ANDERSON         Canterbury        Midfielder/Striker        18                           -
14                 Michaela CURTIS         Central              Striker                         23                          39
28                 Tarryn DAVEY               Midlands           Defender/Midfielder    20                             -
5                   Frances DAVIES           Midlands           Defender                    19                            -
9                   Maddie DOWE              Auckland          Defender                      20                            4
20                 Natasha FITZSIMONS Midlands           Defender                     26                           55
3                   Erin GOAD                    North Harbour  Defender/Midfielder     23                           6
2                   Sam HARRISON           Auckland           Midfielder/Striker        24                           96
23                 Megan HULL                Midlands           Defender                     21                             -
19                 Alia JAQUES                 Midlands          Midfielder                     21                            -
11                  Rachel McCANN          Canterbury       Striker                        22                            32
30                  Pippa NORMAN          Central              Defender                     21                            -
18                  Kirsten PEARCE         North Harbour   Striker                        24                            64
1                    Felicity REIDY            Capital               Midfielder/Striker        23                             3
12                  Deanna RITCHIE        Auckland           Striker                         21                             -
6                    Brooke ROBERTS      North Harbour   Goalkeeper                20                              -
32                  Amy ROBINSON         Midlands            Striker                          20                          -
7                    Phoebe STEELE        Canterbury         Midfielder/Striker         21                           -
29                 Jenny STOREY           Canterbury         Defender                  24                           12
22                 Kim TANNER              Midlands             Defender                   23                           3
17                 Catherine TINNING    Canterbury         Striker                      21                              -
21                 Ginny WILSON           Southern            Goalkeeper                21                              -

MATCH SCHEDULE

Monday 12th December
6:30pm - Black Sticks Women vs Malaysia

Tuesday 13th December
6:30pm - Black Sticks Women vs Malaysia

Thursday 15th December
6:30pm - Black Sticks Women vs Malaysia

Saturday 17th December
3:00pm - Black Sticks Women vs Malaysia

Sunday 18th December
1:00pm - Black Sticks Women vs Malaysia