News for 23 October 2016
All the news for Sunday 23 October 2016
Everything points to a Malaysian victory
RESULTS: India 1 South Korea 1, China 2 Japan 1.
By Jugjet Singh
THE last time Malaysia played Japan in a four-match Test series in Kakamigahara in June, coach Stephen van Huizen's men were whipped beyond recognition.
Both the teams will meet again in the Asian Champions Trophy Saturday at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium.
Malaysia are on a high after beating defending champions Pakistan 4-2 and China 5-1, and a win against Japan will place them in the ACT semi-finals.
Coach Stephen van Huizen has his full squad in Kuantan, unlike in Kakamigahara where seven regulars could not make the trip and they lost 5-1, 3-1, 4-3 and drew 1-1 in the Test.
Japan, on the other hand, were whipped 10-2 by India in their opening ACT match.
The seven regulars who did not make the trip to Kakamigahara but are in Kuantan are goalkeeper S. Kumar, Faiz Helmi, Shahril Saabah, Fitri Shaari, Faizal Shaari, Razie Rahim and Nabil Fiqri.
"We know the stakes are high against Japan as a win will see us in the semi-finals with two matches (South Korea and India) in hand. We have had two good matches, and even though Japan did not start off well, we can't take them lightly," said Van Huizen.
Skipper Shukri Mutalib was also realistic.
"There were moments in both the matches when we almost lost the script after taking leads and we will need to improve in that department. We took the lead against Pakistan but let them claw back, and I am particularly not happy with the way we played in the last five minutes against China," said Shukri, who made his debut as in the 2005 Rotterdam Junior World Cup.
There was no rest for the players yesterday, as they plotted Japan's defeat.
"Video's of Japan's matches as well as other information will be passed to the players so that they know what to expect tomorrow (today). And taking them lightly just because they lost 10-2 to India would be disastrous," said Van Huizen.
Japan coach Yamabori Takahiko is down without four players, and knows Malaysia has a full battery for the ACT.
"Yes, we won comfortably in Kakamigahara, but then, Malaysia did not have seven regulars. And in Kuantan, we do not have four of our senior players and it would be a different game. However, we have our plans to rise from the heavy defeat in the hands of India," said Yamabori. Malaysia have been doing just enough for full points, but they need to improve on their semi-circle shooting to beat Japan comfortably, and they go for maximum points against South Korea and tournament favourites India.
RESULTS: India 1 South Korea 1, China 2 Japan 1.
SUNDAY: India v Pakistan (6.30pm), Malaysia v Japan (8.30pm).
MONDAY: South Korea v China (6.30pm).
STANDINGS
P W D L F A Pts
MALAYSIA 2 2 0 0 9 3 6
INDIA 2 1 1 0 11 3 4
PAKISTAN 2 1 0 1 3 4 3
CHINA 2 1 0 1 3 6 3
S. KOREA 2 0 1 1 1 2 1
JAPAN 2 0 0 2 3 12 0
Jugjet's World of Field Hockey
Exciting draw between India and Korea
s2h team
Undaunted by the defeat at the hands of Pakistan yesterday, South Korea came strongly to draw fast moving Indians 1-1 in their second match of the fourth Asian Champions Trophy here.
India dominated the opening spell with good number of goal bound attacks, but Korean goalie stood firm and saved the team from any blues.
Koreans waited patiently and working with geometrical precision, bounced on to the early chance when a forward collected a triangle move and whacked the ball into the D for the opening goal that put Indians on the mat.
Hard working Nikkin effected a solo from right flank shortly after lemon time, and served a minus to Lalit, who just turned full to send reverse to equalize in the 32nd minute.
It was an equal m,atch with both goalies putting their best to thwart unending number of attacks. Sree saved India from all the four Penalty Corners it conceded, while Rupinder was anything but sharp today with all the three PCS his team got. The last one was pathetic in the sense he sent the ball completely wide off the right post.
Ramandeep Singh, Chenglensana, Akashdeep Singh got their quota of chances, but Korean defence was solid.
Earlier, a panic defender Jasjeet Kular almost gifted a goal to Korea, but a dive and deflection from Korea in front of Indian goalmouth just bounced to the right of post.
"We were not good enough to make use of chances we made,and the penetrations we made. This will be good lesson for my boys as they prepare for Pak match today", Rolent Oltmans, the Indian chief coach said post match.
Stick2Hockey.com
India rallies to hold South Korea
India drew 1-1 with South Korea in its second match of the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here on Saturday.
For India, Lalit Upadhyay equalised in the 33rd minute for India after Junwoo Jeong had given the 1-0 lead to South Korea in the 10th minute.
India started the proceeding on a positive note as Talwinder Singh penetrated the Korean defence.
In the 10th minute, the sloppy marking by India resulted in a goal as Junwoo Jeong scored from the edge of the D to give his team a vital lead.
An error in passing by defender Rupinder Pal Singh gave South Korea a chance to counter-attack and Jeong pounced on ball to score.
The second quarter saw some early penetration by India as Sardar Singh injected the ball close to the goal post and Rupinder slammed hard, but the Korean goalkeeper got his hand out and saved.
The result:
India 1 (Lalit Upadhyay 33) drew with South Korea 1 (Junwoo Jeong 10).
The Hindu
India held 1-1 by South Korea
KUANTAN (Malaysia): Top-ranked India were held to a 1-1 draw by the brisk-moving South Koreans in the round-robin league encounter of the fourth Asian Champions Trophy hockey on Saturday.
Placed five spots behind sixth-ranked India in the world rankings, the Koreans repeatedly caused ripples in the rival defence and found plenty of time and space to dribble into the scoring zone at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium.
A series of saves by skipper PR Sreejesh saved India the embarrassment after they had fallen behind in the first quarter of the game.
South Korea took the lead in the 11the minute off a flash strike by Jeong Junwoo after a misdirected Indian pass in their own territory. India fought back to equalise in the 33rd minute through Lalit Upadhyay, who sent a firm reverse drive from the top of the circle into the boards.
Title favourites India, the highest ranked Asian team, now have four points from two games ahead of the showpiece league match against Pakistan on Sunday.
This was the first point from two games for South Korea who conceded a last-minute match-winner to Pakistan on Friday.
India first spelt danger in the third minute when Talwinder Singh got his stick to a cross from Nikkin Thimmaiah on the left, but the deflection lacked pace to trouble goalkeeper Hong Doopyo.
The Koreans almost took the lead in the eighth minute when a badly-directed square ball from defender Jasjit Singh Kular into the circle was picked by striker Seo In-woo, who was lurking around.
Seo's forward diving attempt went wide to the right with Indian custodian PR Sreejesh at his mercy.
South Korea surged ahead three minutes later when Jeong Junwoo scored with a fine shot from the top of the circle after picking a diagonal ball from Lee Jung-jun. This time it was a pass from Indian defender Rupinder Pal Singh that was intercepted by the Koreans.
Seo In-woo could have increased South Korea's lead in the 15th minute when a brisk counter fed him a long pass deep in the Indian territory. Seo only needed to beat the goalkeeper, but he sent the shot high over the cross-bar.
India forced their first penalty corner in the 16th minute when Rupinder's rising drag-flick was palmed away by the Korean goalkeeper.
India got the equaliser three minutes into the second session when Upadhyay got possession of a deflection just inside the circle and sounded the boards by shooting past a number of players in the scoring zone, who seemed to have hampered the goalkeeper's view of the shot.
The Korean strikers gave the Indian defence a torrid time as they forced two successive penalty corners in the 35th minute. Within the next five minutes, strikers Hwang Tae-il and Kim Hyeong-jin darted into the Indian circle from the flanks and took shots at the citadel that were blocked by goalkeeper Sreejesh.
India earned their second and last penalty corner in the 45th minute, but Rupinder's rising drag-flick this time went wide to the right.
India had a good chance of going ahead in the 48th minute when Chinglensana Singh lunged forward to deflect a cross from Surender Kumar on the right flank. The ball, however, went straight into the pads of the Korean goalkeeper.
Korea went on to force two penalty corners - taking their tally to four in the game - but could not breach the Indian defence again.
The Times of India
We gave the Koreans too much opportunity: Oltmans
KUANTAN (Malaysia): India coach Roelant Oltmans on Saturday said that his team gave too many chances to the young South Korean team.
Top-ranked India were held to a 1-1 draw by the brisk-moving South Koreans in the round-robin league encounter of the fourth Asian Champions Trophy hockey.
"I expected a tough game (after the Koreans conceded last-minute goal in their previous match), but we gave the Koreans too much opportunity," said Oltmans.
"We went for a win and did get some clear-cut chances, but have to be satisfied with the draw," he said.
Oltmans, however, said that his defenders exhibited good positional play in defending against South Korea's penalty corners.
South Korean hockey team coach Paul Lissek, meanwhile was elated at the performance of his young team.
"This is like winning a gold medal for us, a small hockey-playing nation's young team holding India to a draw," said Lissek, a former chief coach of Germany.
"Coming a day after we conceded a last minute match-winner to Pakistan, I am delighted at the manner in which my boys responded to the Indian challenge," he said.
The Koreans stunned India to take the initial lead in the 11th minute on a flash strike by Jeong Jun-woo and India had to work hard to equalise through Lalit Upadhyay's field goal in the 33rd minute.
Currently ranked 11th in the world, the Koreans are rebuilding their team after several retirements since the 2014 Asian Games. They are placed five spots behind Asian Games gold medalists India's No. 6 world ranking.
"I respect Indian hockey a lot, but am pleased the way my boys gave them a stiff fight today," said Lissek.
"We lost control of the game after early flourish and India then had so much advantage, but our defenders held their ground," he said.
The Times of India
Murray Grime to umpire his 200th International today
Murray Grime (left) with Deon Nel (RSA) who has umpired over 100 internationals.
Australian umpire Murray Grime will umpire his 200th international today in the India v Pakistan match along with South African Peter Wright, whose brother John has also achieved this incredible milestone.
Only four other umpires have reached the 200 mark. First was Alain Renaud (FRA) in 1991, then Santi Deo (ESP) in 1995, Marelize de Klerk (RSA) in 2011 and John Wright (RSA) in 2016.
I have had the privilege of watching many of those matches and have always admired his skills as an umpire.
Congratulations, Murray, and thank you for all you have done to make this game great. It is a fitting tribute to you that you get to umpire India v Pakistan for this milestone, where all of your skills are going to be needed to bring us a great game - as this encounter always is.
On his Facebook page Murray had the following reflections on today's achievement.
Well today I umpire my 200th Senior International Game, fortunate enough to join a very small group of other umpires that have achieved this milestone in their own careers. Should be a entertaining game to umpire especially with the two teams involved India v Pakistan at the Asian Champions Trophy in Kuantan. Some will say I'm lucky and others might say unlucky that i have a great mate to umpire with Peter Wright.
It's taken a while to get this magical number, but there is a lesson to be learnt for all aspiring umpires, doesn't matter how good you think you might be, there will always be obstacles and mountains to climb and at times you may very well fall off the bike and slide down the mountain but never give up. Set realistic goals and chase dream as it makes you a stronger person and better umpire.
I know that there is a special person that will be watching today from above, I lost one of my closest and best mates to ill health. This guy was my umpiring mentor from day 1, I still remember my first national tournament in in 1987 in Canberra and from that day he played a very important role in my umpire development and getting me to this position today. Every time I step onto the field whether it's a domestic game or umpiring Internationally I do this for Ian Pitt and myself. His favourite line was " you are only as good as your last game" you never stop to learn and develop new skills.
Pak hockey players told to be quiet ahead of India clash
KARACHI: Pakistani players and officials have been told to keep their emotions in check when they face-off with arch-rivals India in the Asian Champions Trophy match at Kuantan in Malaysia on Sunday.
"Given the existing tensions between the two countries at every level we have asked our players to not only avoid statements on the match but also keep calm and cool no matter what the result of the match," a top official of Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) said.
The official said that after the Champions Trophy semi-final fiasco in December 2014, the PHF didn't want more tensions with the Indian hockey board.
Pakistan are without their captain and senior most player Mohammad Imran, who missed out on the tournament because of a glitch wherein he sent his passport to the UK consulate for a visa and didn't get it back on time to travel to Malaysia.
The PHF has promised an inquiry against him.
"Imran will be missed as he has been a key factor in recent matches against India," former Olympian Islahuddin Siddiqui said.
Tomorrow's fixture is the 166th international match between the two countries.
The Times of India
Pak Coach Promises ‘Good Display’ Against ‘Experienced’ India
Shreeda Aggarwal
Pakistani hockey coach Khawaja Junaid promises a good display against India. (Photo Courtesy: Facebook/Pakistan Hockey)
The India-Pakistan clash on Sunday will be the showpiece match of the Asian Champions Trophy, Pakistan hockey team coach Khawaja Junaid said. Junaid also said that his side will provide an exhibition of attacking sub-continental hockey in the match which is scheduled to be held at 4:00 pm IST on 23 October.
Asserting that Indo-Pak sporting encounters “showcase skills that attracts millions of spectators to the sport”, Junaid said:
"An India-Pakistan hockey match is always a game of emotions."
He added:
"Hockey’s popularity has a lot to do with the India-Pakistan matches. We promise to give a good display against India tomorrow."
After winning against Pakistan in the 2014 Asian Games final, India automatically qualified for the 2016 Olympic Games. Pakistan however failed to earn a qualification through the Hockey World League, making India the only Asian team featuring in the Olympic men's event in Rio de Janeiro. In their last meeting at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, India thrashed Pakistan 5-1 in Ipoh.
Junaid said his team includes several young players and was relatively inexperienced compared to the Indian rivals.
"The inexperience is what we have to tackle. We have just had one international tournament in one year. After the World League Semifinals in Antwerp last year, the Pakistan team’s only outing was the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, where we played seven matches."
Khawaja Junaid, Pakistani Hockey Coach
India thrashed Pakistan 5-1 in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup earlier this year. (Photo: PTI)
Junaid said that two-time defending champion Pakistan would be pitted against a side that had gained a lot of international experience in recent years.
"After the 2012 Olympic Games in London, where India finished last in the 12-team event, the Indian team has worked on a five-year plan. Since then, the Indians have played more than 200 matches and their international experience is a reason for climbing up the world rankings."
While India thrashed Japan 10-2 in their opening game, Pakistan suffered a shock 2-4 loss to hosts Malaysia in the tournament opener. Just a day later however, Pakistan prevailed 1-0 over South Korea, who India is scheduled to play on Saturday at 4:00 pm IST.
India takes on Pakistan in a what promises to be a thrilling match on Sunday at 4:00 pm IST. Check out The Quint
The Quint
Ex-Olympians urge Pakistan to attack against India
Mohammad Yaqoob
LAHORE: The Asian Champions Trophy being in progress in Kuantan, Malaysia will see one of the high-octane hockey clashes when Pakistan take on arch-rivals India on Sunday.
Defending champions Pakistan were off to a poor start when they lost their first match to hosts Malaysia 2-4. However, they gained some respect when they edged South Korea 1-0 in the second match and look better poised to take on the neighbours in an expectedly tense clash.
Talking to Dawn, Olympians Tauqeer Dar, Danish Kaleem and Mohammad Saqlain termed India hot favourites against Pakistan in Sunday’s clash of the Asian Champions Trophy.
Tauqeer, a member of Pakistan team that won gold in Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, said Pakistan will have to prove their mettle by putting in some extra-ordinary effort against a much improved Indian side.
“Indians are strong on paper as they have made huge investments in hockey in the recent past which makes them tough competitors for Pakistan players who could only triumph by playing attacking hockey and cause an upset,” he said.
“Pakistan will have to work rigorously to raise a strong team for the next year’s World Cup qualifying rounds,” maintained the former Olympian.
On the other hand, the 1994 World Cup-winning team member Danish expressed hope that the match will be good contest and Pakistan will give tough time to India. “Pakistan will have to cash in on the scoring opportunities if they want to have favourable result against the Indians,” said Danish. “The only way to victory for Pakistan is to play attacking game and in my opinion, it will be a good match.”
Former captain Saqlain termed the Indians as favorites in the high-octane clash since they had been faring very well during the last one year in international hockey.
Agreeing with Tauqeer on adopting the strategy of playing attacking game against the Indians, Saqlain maintained that a fine ratio of penalty-corner conversion will also be crucial for Pakistan to win the match.
Dawn
If India-Pakistan hostilities apply to cricket and Bollywood, why are we still playing hockey?
Bikram Vohra
I don't get it.
India will play Pakistan in a group stage hockey match at the Asian Champions Trophy 2016 on Sunday. So much for all the talk about boycotting our neighbours. I am all for keeping sport out of the realm of politics, but let's not grandstand if we can't keep it up for even one month, instead turning our posturing into a mockery of a stiff-backed stance.
This political-military confrontation between India and Pakistan has a different texture to it. Not since Kargil have we come so close to armageddon. After the surgical strikes, we were determined to ostracise Pakistan internationally, the word most bandied about being "pariah".
Technically, Pakistan represents the mothership of terrorism. But we are still playing hockey with them. Ah, of course, this is sport, it doesn't count.
Was it not sport when BCCI requested the ICC just two weeks ago to ensure that the two countries were not in the same pool in any international cricket tournament, and there were enough of us who thought we were sending out a strong and powerful message? Didn't BCCI chief Anurag Thakur made it look like this was a crystal cut solidarity with the armed forces and the Indian outrage over the export of terrorism from our neighbour?
So, how come sauce for the goose is not sauce for the gander, seeing as how both are sports, and hockey is still our national game? There was so much cloying praise for our brave stance over cricket, even if it made no sense; but the tame, unquestioning argument today belies everything that has been said.
Don't get me wrong, if we can be friends and end 70 years of hostility, that's terrific. But we cannot have double standards.
All that commotion about the Karan Johar film being released under police protection and Fawad Khan being drummed out of India and Bollywood splitting itself into for and against camps becomes a farce if we adopt double standards.
There has to be some staying power if we launch such offensives. Johar was paraded as being anti-national for backing Fawad Khan, and here we are on a Sunday afternoon, buddying up on the hockey field and, win or lose, it makes chewing gum out of the national policy.
Perhaps there is no national policy and everything is knee jerk. Prime Minister Narendra Modi can go up on stage and slam Pakistan, but we will play hockey. We can shut them down and they can shut us out, but we will stay play hockey. There is no lessening of tensions on the border, Pakistan has still banned Indian films, continues to maintain there were no surgical strikes, its defence minister has publicly and gleefully stated that he would annihilate Delhi with a nuke and supposedly Indian songs are off the radio and they are not showing the MS Dhoni biopic either.
In return, we have gone global in our efforts to isolate Pakistan, have it named a rogue state, banned their channels and their actors from entering India, and generally placed it on the backfoot in every department; even going as far as to scuttle the SAARC conference.
So why are we playing hockey and respecting each other's anthems and shaking hands and no one thinks it is odd?
Is the battle over, has the fat lady sung, did something happen to change the dynamics, have Uri, Baramulla, Pampore slipped off the news pages, and will Anurag Thakur still avoid playing Pakistan on the group matches of the World Cup?
That is the 64 million dollar question.
Firstpost
Malaysia to avoid shooting themselves in the foot against Japan
by S. Ramaguru
Malaysian players celebrating their huge win against China in the Asian Champions Trophy on Friday. Malaysia won 5-1.
KUANTAN: After two convincing wins at the Asian Champions Trophy, Malaysia are hoping they will not face an embarrassing comedown against Japan on Sunday.
Malaysia need a win against winless Japan to confirm their place in the semi-finals of the six-nation tournament at the Kuantan Hockey Stadium.
But Malaysia are famous for making life difficult for themselves. And that’s something national coach Stephen van Huizen hopes to avoid at all costs.
“I believe the players are aware of the importance of this game. We need to stay focused on the job. The team have done well so far, but they are still not on top of their game yet. We can only get better,” said Stephen.
Malaysia began their campaign with a 4-2 win over defending champions Pakistan and then whipped China 5-1.
Malaysia have met Japan three times this year. At the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh in March, Malaysia won 4-3. Then came the two Test matches in Japan. The first ended in a 1-1 draw while Japan won 4-3 in the next clash.
Japan’s last win over Malaysia in an international tournament was when they hosted the 2013 Asian Champions Trophy in Kakamigahara. Japan won 1-0 and went on to finish second for their best ever performance in the tournament.
This time Japan have brought a relatively young team as they prepare to mount a strong challenge at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. They have only four players above the age of 24.
“Our objective here is to learn and for the players to gain experience. Malaysia are an improved side and there’s no doubt they are a more cohesive unit now,” said Japan coach Takahiko Yamabori.
Malaysia have scored nine goals to date with Mohamed Haziq Shamsul, Mohamed Firhan Azhari, Mohamed Shahril Saabah and Faizal Saari contributing two each. Fitri Saari netted the other goal. And five of the goals came from penalty corner rebounds.
Said Stephen: “I’m pleased that the players are now responding well to the penalty corner rebounds. We used to waste them due to slow reaction. This is the most pleasing aspect of our game.”
The Star of Malaysia
Late goal helps Surbiton stay top
Joie Leigh celebrates her goal for Clifton against Leicester. Credit Andrew Smith
Surbiton maintained their lead of the Investec Women’s Hockey League Premier Division in dramatic fashion on Saturday with a 1-0 win at home to Reading.
Giselle Ansley scored from a last minute penalty stroke to earn all three points for the hosts, denying Reading their first point of the campaign after a strong defensive performance.
Holcombe are second after also picking up a 1-0 victory away to Kent rivals Canterbury. Emily Maguire converted a penalty corner midway through the second half to earn the points for the visitors.
The University of Birmingham were convincing winners at Slough, claiming a 4-0 victory.
Katelyn Aitchinson scored a brace before half time, with Jo Turnbull and Lily Owsley sealing victory in the second half.
Clifton Robinsons claimed three points on the road at Leicester. Joanna Leigh (pictured) scored the game’s only goal nine minutes from time to secure all the points.
East Grinstead remain unbeaten this season, but were held to a goalless draw at home to Bowdon Hightown.
The hosts fell from second to fifth in the table, with the top five teams now being separated by just two points.
Investec Women's Conference East
Cathy Gilliat-Smith scored a hat trick to help maintain Sevenoaks’ 100 per cent start to the season with a 7-1 win at Northampton Saints in the Investec Conference East.
Maddie Thompson scored a brace with Susie Rowe and Samantha Danckert also on target as Sevenoaks preserved their three point lead at the top of the table.
Two goals in three second half minutes for Lizzie Rae and Mairi Drummond helped Wimbledon keep pace, with a 2-0 win at St Albans.
Joyce Esser netted a hat trick to help lift Hampstead and Westminster to a 4-1 victory at home to Harleston Magpies.
Elsewhere, Elisa Filarmonico scored her fourth of the season as Southgate beat Chelmsford 1-0, and Rebecca Hayward scored twice as Cambridge City beat West Herts 2-0.
Investec Women's Conference North
Beeston were knocked off the top of the Investec Conference North after a 2-0 home defeat to Ben Rhydding.
The hosts hit the woodwork three times, but goals for Sarah Whitehead and Beth Cordukes earned a good three points for the visitors.
Brooklands Poynton are the new leaders in the North after a 3-0 home win over Wakefield, goals coming from Tor Hughes, Helen Turner and Annie Mills.
The University of Durham remain unbeaten but were held to their third draw of the campaign, 1-1 at home to Sutton Coldfield.
Loughborough Students defeated Timperley 3-0 and two goals apiece for Louise Jukes and Nikki Tipping helped Liverpool Sefton to a 4-1 win at Belper in Saturday’s other games.
Investec Women's Conference West
Stourport stayed top of the Investec Conference West after a 5-0 win at Bristol Firebrands.
Claire Pearson and Lora Symonds both scored their fifth goals of the season, as they remain the only unbeaten side in the conference, whilst Firebrands are yet to register a point.
Sally Walton scored twice to help Olton and West Warwicks defeat Swansea City 2-1. Olton stay second in the table.
Cat Horn scored a brace and Emma Teague was on target to lead Trojans to a 3-1 win over Exe, who had equalised through Clare Whitworth in the first half.
Phoebe Richards scored twice as Buckingham won 4-1 at Gloucester City, and a seventh minute Beth Marriott goal was the difference as Isca defeated Oxford Hawks 1-0.
Investec Women’s Hockey League (Saturday, October 22, 2016):
Investec Women's Premier Division: Canterbury 0, Holcombe 1; East Grinstead 0, Bowdon 0; Leicester 0, Clifton Robinsons 1; Slough 0, University of Birmingham 4; Surbiton 1, Reading 0.
Investec Women's Conference East: Cambridge City 2, West Herts 0; Hampstead and Westminster 4, Harleston Magpies 1; Northampton Saints 1, Sevenoaks 7; Southgate 1, Chelmsford 0; St. Albans 0, Wimbledon 2.
Investec Women's Conference North: Beeston 0, Ben Rhydding 2; Belper 1, Liverpool Sefton 4; Brooklands Poynton 3, Wakefield 0; Loughborough Students 3, Timperley 0; University of Durham 1, Sutton Coldfield 1.
Investec Women's Conference West: Bristol Firebrands 0, Stourport 5; Gloucester City 1, Buckingham 4; Isca 1, Oxford Hawks 0; Olton & West Warwicks 2, Swansea City 1; Trojans 3, Exe 1.
England Hockey Board Media release
No. 7 Louisville pushes past No. 9 Virginia in overtime
Louisville Athletics
Minout Mink (10) delivered in overtime to lift Louisville to a win over ACC rival Virginia. Louisville Athletics
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Freshman Minout Mink's goal in the 10th minute of overtime lifted the seventh-ranked Louisville field hockey team to a 3-2 win over host ninth-ranked Virginia in both teams' ACC finale on Friday evening. Louisville (14-3, 3-3 ACC) extends its win streak to four games. Virginia drops to 11-6 (3-3).
Mink scored a pair of goals in the game, breaking a 1-1 tie in the first half and then putting the Cards ahead for good in overtime as she pushed her team-best total to 14 goals on the season. Sophomore goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerranposted a career-high 12 saves in the win.
"This was a great win for our program against a very good Virginia team," said UofL head coach Justine Sowry. "It was not a perfect performance by any means, but we kept persisting. The team is constantly reminding each other to bring the game back to our identity by defending and attacking together. When we do this we know we can do very well. We now need to take care of ourselves and focus our attention to our next opponent."
The teams played through nine scoreless minutes before Virginia broke through with the first goal of the game. Colleen Norair's shot was saved by McFerran, but Izzy McDonough sent the rebound into the cage, giving the Cavaliers a 1-0 lead.
The Cardinals answered 10 minutes later on a penalty corner of their own. Mink delivered the initial shot which was turned back by Carrera Lucas, but senior Shannon Sloss was there to collect the rebound as the ball trickled to the right side of the cage and connected on her fifth goal of the season to tie the score at 1-1.
The Cavaliers had a flurry of scoring opportunities, earning three penalty corners in a span of two minutes, but McFerran picked up six stops to keep the score even.
Louisville intensified its attack over the next eight minutes before Nicole Woods gathered a pass from senior Lotta Kahlert just outside the circle and dished to Mink, who fired a shot past Lucas to put the Cards up 2-1 with 8:40 remaining in the first half.
The Cardinals continued to hold possession on their attacking end of the field through most of the rest of the half and took the 2-1 lead into the break after UVA held an 11-8 advantage in shots and a 4-2 edge in corners.
The teams continued to battle through the first 21 minutes of the second half until UVA drew its second corner of the period. Riley Tata's initial shot hit the post, but she connected on the rebound to even the score at 2-2.
UVA drew a penalty corner with six seconds left in regulation. It appeared that Nikki Freeman's shot found the back of the cage, but it was disallowed after it was ruled that the ball hit the leg of a Cavalier player.
With the score knotted at 2-2, the teams entered a 15-minute 7v7 overtime period. The Cavaliers fired off three early shots with two sailed wide and McFerran stopping the other. Senior Lizzie Gittens sent a pass to fellow senior Erin McCrudden who received the ball near the 50-yard line and found Mink near the top of the circle. The freshman angled past a defender and sent a reverse stick shot into the far post to seal the win for the Cardinals.
In the game, Virginia outshot Louisville 22-12 and held a 7-4 advantage in corners. McFerran (13-3) posted a career-high 12 saves while Lucas (11-6) had six stops in the contest. With her assist on the game-winner, McCrudden increases her season tally to a nation-leading 17. She needs two more to tie the school's regular-season record.
With the victory, Louisville improves to 14-3 and 3-3 in ACC play. The Cardinals move into a three-way tie for fourth in league standings along with Virginia (11-6, 3-3) and Boston College (3-3). Duke currently stands in first place with a 4-1 record but still has to play North Carolina, which holds a 3-2 mark in conference play. Syracuse finished the regular season with a 4-2 ACC record and currently stands second.
NCAA