The Fiji women’s hockey team delivered an impressive performance in their opening match of the Oceania Pacific Cup, securing a decisive 9-1 victory against Samoa at the National Hockey Centre in Suva. Head coach Alison Southey expressed her pleasure with the team’s showing, highlighting the contributions of experienced players who previously participated in both the Pacific Games and the World Cup in Oman. These players include Catherine Fabiano, Divyankar Kumar, Melba Nautu, and Maxine Edwards.
Southey emphasized the importance of starting the tournament with a win, expressing optimism for the future matches. “We’re taking one game at a time and will put everything we’ve practiced into play,” she stated. The team has been dedicated to their training over the past few months, which has paid off as they adhered strictly to their game plan.
The four-day tournament not only showcases the skills of the national teams but also offers valuable exposure for rising players and debutants. Both the Fiji men’s and women’s teams have entered two squads into the competition—Fiji and Fiji Warriors.
Southey noted an area for improvement in their defense, expressing hope that refining this aspect will enhance their overall performance. “We’re fortunate enough to have two teams; it’s great exposure for our local athletes,” she added, noting the experience of five to six players from the Pacific Games and six from the Oman World Cup.
In their subsequent match, the Fiji women faced Tonga. The tournament features seven countries and 16 teams competing across men’s and women’s divisions, culminating on Thursday.
This strong start for the Fiji women’s hockey team sets a positive tone for their upcoming matches, demonstrating their hard work and skill in the sport. The team’s dedication and experience will be pivotal as they continue to compete in the tournament.
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