New Zealand: Optimistic future for women's hockey
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| New Zealand |
July 17, 2005
Newstalk ZB, New Zealand
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The future of New Zealand women's hockey is looking bright after the Black Sticks' win in the Champions Challenge in America.
The New Zealanders beat South Africa 2-0 in the final at Virginia Beach, with five teenagers in the line-up and defender Lizzy Igasan being named Player of the Tournament at just 22.
Coach Ian Rutledge says Igasan is fast establishing herself as one of world's best defenders.
New Zealand is now back in the world top six and will contest the Champions Trophy next year.
Rutledge says while the youngsters were great, the likes of captain Suzie Muirhead provided the guiding hand.
Rutledge says he doubts they would have got there without the experienced players but the future is looking bright, and it certainly augurs well for the future, looking towards the Beijing Olympics.
Earlier in the tournament, South Africa had beaten the Black Sticks 1-0 in pool play, but in the final, Rutledge says the New Zealanders were more aggressive and took charge early on, playing with confidence and self-belief.
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