Mark Geenty16:45, Jul 25 2021
Sky Sport
Black Sticks women thrash Argentina 3-0 in their pool B opener at the Olympics.
New Zealand’s women hockey players defied the heat and stunned world No 3 Argentina with a remarkable 3-0 win, to open their Tokyo Olympics campaign in the best possible fashion on Sunday. Second half goals to Kelsey Smith, Hope Ralph and Holly Pearson - the latter scoring her first in international hockey - saw the world No 6 Black Sticks make a flying start to pool B in the race for the top-four to make the quarterfinals. In searing 30degC-plus temperatures, the New Zealanders defended superbly to shut down numerous Argentina raids, and achieved a hugely significant win without two of their best players Stacey Michelsen and Samantha Charlton.
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An experienced line up has been named for both the women s and men s New Zealand hockey teams for the Tokyo Olympics, yet for many it will still be their first major tournament.
Shea McAleese who has 314 caps will compete at his 4th Olympics for the men s side while he s joined by Steve Edwards, Stephen Jenness, Hugo Inglis and Nick Wilson will be competing at their third Olympics.
In the women s squad captain Stacey Michelsen and vice- captain Samantha Charlton are also both heading to their third Olympics. It s a pretty experienced group but it s also the first pinnacle event for players like Sam Lane who have previously missed out through injury or Jacob Smith and Nick Ross who have been rewarded for their perseverance. They ve shown they re really determined to be there.
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