The Fiji women’s hockey team delivered an impressive performance in their opening match of the Oceania Pacific Cup, defeating Samoa with a resounding score of 9-1 at the National Hockey Centre in Suva. Head coach Alison Southey expressed her satisfaction with the team’s display, highlighting the contribution of seasoned players who have previously competed in both the Pacific Games and the World Cup in Oman. Notable names among these experienced players include Catherine Fabiano, Divyankar Kumar, Melba Nautu, and Maxine Edwards.
Southey remarked on the positive momentum that comes from winning at the start of a tournament, stating, “We’re optimistic, and we’re taking one game at a time. We’re just going to put everything that we’ve done at training into the game.” She acknowledged the hard work the team put into their training over the preceding months and attributed their success to sticking to the game plan.
Looking forward, Southey mentioned that the four-day tournament will highlight the talents of both established and emerging local athletes. Furthermore, both the Fiji men’s and women’s teams have entered two squads for the competition—Fiji and Fiji Warriors—providing additional opportunities for local players to gain competitive experience.
While celebrating their strong start, Southey identified areas for improvement, particularly in defense, stating, “We need to just get a bit tighter on the defense, and we should be good.” With six players having just competed in the World Cup and several others participating in the Pacific Games, the team is well-equipped for the challenges ahead.
In a show of continued competitiveness, the Fiji women’s team faced Tonga in their second match following the Samoa victory. The tournament features seven countries and a total of 16 teams competing in both men’s and women’s categories, concluding on Thursday.
As the Fiji women’s hockey team continues to build on their success, the optimism surrounding their performance serves as a promising sign for their future matches and the development of hockey in the region.
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