Fiji’s Women Dominate Samoa in Pacific Cup Opener!

The Fiji women’s hockey team began their campaign in the Oceania Pacific Cup on a high note, securing a dominant 9-1 victory against Samoa at the National Hockey Centre in Suva. Head coach Alison Southey expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting the contributions of experienced players who have represented Fiji in both the Pacific Games and the World Cup in Oman. Among these seasoned players are Catherine Fabiano, Divyankar Kumar, Melba Nautu, and Maxine Edwards.

“It’s always good going into a tournament with a win,” Southey noted, adding, “We’re optimistic and taking it one game at a time, focusing on implementing everything we’ve worked on in training.” She emphasized the importance of sticking to their game plan, as the team has been rigorously preparing over the past months.

Southey remarked that the four-day tournament would not only allow the seasoned players to shine but also provide a platform for rising athletes and debutants to exhibit their talents. Both the men’s and women’s teams from Fiji are participating with two squads each: Fiji and Fiji Warriors.

While praising the team’s performance, Southey also identified areas for improvement, particularly in their defense, stating they need to tighten that aspect to enhance their overall game. “We’re fortunate enough to have two teams, which offers valuable exposure for our local athletes,” she added, noting that several players participated in both the Pacific Games and the World Cup, bringing a wealth of experience to the current tournament.

Following their impressive victory, the Fiji women’s team prepared to face Tonga in their next match. A total of seven countries and 16 teams are competing in this prestigious tournament, which is set to conclude on Thursday.

The Fiji women’s hockey team’s impressive start and the opportunity for local athletes to grow and gain exposure reflect a hopeful future for the sport in the region. The team’s confidence and focus on improvement could lead to even greater successes in the upcoming matches.