The Fiji women’s hockey team showcased their dominance with an impressive 9-1 victory against Samoa during their opening match of the Oceania Pacific Cup at the National Hockey Centre in Suva. Head coach Alison Southey expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the contributions of experienced players who had previously participated in both the Pacific Games and the World Cup in Oman. These seasoned athletes include Catherine Fabiano, Divyankar Kumar, Melba Nautu, and Maxine Edwards.
Southey emphasized the positive momentum from their initial win, stating, “It’s always good going into a tournament winning.” She noted their focus on maintaining an optimistic outlook and taking each game one at a time, mentioning the hard work during training sessions over the past months. The coach pointed out that their strategic adherence to the game plan was key to their success and also spotlighted the tournament as a platform for showcasing both established and emerging local talent.
The Fiji team has entered two squads into the tournament, known as Fiji and Fiji Warriors, providing an excellent opportunity for local athletes to gain exposure. Southey mentioned an area for improvement in their game: tightening their defense, which will be crucial moving forward in the tournament.
Looking ahead, the Fiji women’s team faced Tonga in their subsequent match yesterday afternoon, adding to the anticipation surrounding their performance. The tournament involves seven countries and a total of 16 teams competing in both men’s and women’s categories, culminating on Thursday.
Overall, the Fiji women’s hockey team is not only demonstrating skill and sportsmanship but also fostering a spirit of hope and ambition for the future of hockey in the region. Their solid start in the tournament bodes well for their campaign, and their commitment to development will likely inspire younger players in Fiji.
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