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All the news for Saturday 5 November 2016

India China in the Asian Champions Trophy final

s2h team

Sluggish Indian girls went down 2-3 to China in the last pool match,yet as Japan would defeat Korea earlier, the same Chinese will engage India again tomorrow in the gold medal clash.

Trailing 0-2 in the third quarter, India even out with a field effort and another through penalty corner, but hardly three minutes left in the clock, precise China posted the winner through shining captain Zhou Shan.

Earlier, India missed gilt edges chances it created in the first half giving enough elbow room for the Chinese to come back in the second session after first half remained barren.

As early as within five minutes, Poonam set up Vandana, but she shot wide from close quarters.

Poonam herself let go a golden chance, failing to tap in a rebound from lanky Yu Huaran, the goalie.

However, the Indians kept up the pressure, and experienced Rani Ramphal was quite adept at flummoxing Chinese defenders to earn penalty corners.

However, Indian drill here was found wanting.

Improper or almost not stopping the pushed ball, ill-practiced indirect, did not trouble the Chinese defence. On a breakaway move, Yan Cheng sent the ball with a forehand from left side of net, it got struck E. Rajani, but slowly rolled towards the goal. Nikky Pradhan, who covering Rajani tried to stop the slow ball from crossing the deadly line, but got slipped, disparate stick attempting made no impact.

Sixteen minutes later, China launched a counter which ended in Qiu Guo enhancing the lead.

The lead doused the hopes of sizeable Indian crowd who turned up with tabla and many tricolours.

They got a freshlife when Poonam Rani Malik bounced on to a penalty corner rebound to reduce the margin of lead to 1-2.

Indians now played best part of their game.

They were on a attacking mode.

It bore fruit. Vandana Kataria, who just missed sitter on the right, changed side, and whacked a feed from top of circle, to level the score 2-2.

However, the last penalty corner conceded by India just less than three minutes before the hooter, got the Chinese full points, and thus making it to a dream final.

Stick2Hockey.com

India lose to China, play against same opponents in final

SINGAPORE: India on Friday tasted their first defeat in the 4th Women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament here as they went down fighting 2-3 against China in their final league encounter and will take on the same opponents in the summit clash on Saturday.

The match was a pulsating one with both teams pushing each other to their limit. However, in the end it was China who scored the winning goal with just two minutes left for the match to end.

The win put China on top of the table with nine points, pushing India to second spot with seven points, followed by Japan, Korea and Malaysia.

The two sides again face each other in the summit clash on Saturday, starting at 5:00 pm IST.

Both teams started strong and displayed some skillful hockey to enthrall the Singapore crowd that turned up in large numbers. The Indians were unlucky in their two attempts from the penalty corner and both teams went into the first half in a stalemate.

It was the Chinese who started the second half strong and scored their first goal in the 35th minute through Yang Chen's impressive field goal.

China took a two-goal lead in the fourth quarter, which saw intense moments, when Qiu Guo making way into India's 'D' and sent a quick one past India's keeper Rajani in the 51st minute.

However, this did not dent India's hopes as they struck back with two consecutive goals in the final few minutes of the last quarter.

It was Poonam Rani's quick reaction that helped India convert a penalty corner in the 52nd minute. Then, skipper Vandana Kataria, who had earlier missed a chance, made amends by sending one past the Chinese custodian in the 55th minute to equalise.

Encouragingly for India, their sharp passing and superb attacking movement kept finding spaces around the Chinese midfield.

Chances flew both ways though, but it was China who held their nerves till the last minute as they earned a penalty corner, only their second in the entire match, and made sure they converted it.

The match also marked Anuradha Devi Thokchom's 100th international game.

The Times of India

Stats Speak: Will India make it double delight in Asian Champions Trophy?

By B.G.Joshi (Sehore-Bhopal, India)

In men’s Asian Champions Trophy India won the title by dethroning neighbors Pakistan in final on Oct 30. Now Indian women have to beat another neighbors China in Singapore Women ACT. Indian Women have won the 5 continental titles in 26 editions appeared so far. Indian ladies became triumphant in Asian Games (New Delhi-1982), Asia Cup (New Delhi-2004), South Asian Games (Guwahati-2016), Commonwealth Games (Manchester-2002) and Afro Asian Games (Hyderabad-2003).

Head to head of India-China in international hockey are:

Incidentally both India and China have never won the ACT.  In Singapore both have a chance of their maiden triumph. India won the silver in 2013 edition, whereas China also won the silver in Ordos (2011).

Today’s final in Singapore is India’s match number 692 in international hockey since debut in 1953. So far India has won 270 matches.

Fieldhockey.com

Need to control game for longer periods against China: Hawgood

BENGALURU: Indian women's hockey team coach Neil Hawgood on Friday cautioned that the players need to control the game for longer periods if they are to subdue China in the summit clash of the Asian Championship Trophy on Saturday.

In their final league encounter India lost 2-3 to China, their only defeat in the tournament so far.

"I think if we can control the game for longer periods than we did tonight and not turn over the ball with simple basic mistakes, we will be able to control China a little bit better tomorrow," Hawgood told PTI over phone from Singapore.

"We are quite confident about tomorrow. We have to stick to the plan at all times. Today we wavered away from it too many times. We need to keep that in check tomorrow," he said.

"China are very fast on the counter attack, and we need to prepare better for that off the ball."

Hawgood said the team was doing well but need to be more consistent.

"We have been a bit inconsistent in certain periods of games, so we have been getting results, but we are still chasing that consistent performance."

He further said China, Korea, Japan and India are quite even and games against any of these teams would be close.

Hawgood also insisted that his team's performance at the Rio Olympics should not be considered a debacle.

"I am not sure why people think Rio was a debacle, we were ranked 12th and finished 12th, it was the first time in 36 years the team had qualified," he said.

"Nothing has been accomplished until you continue to qualify for major tournaments consistently, that's when this group will be close to accomplishing something. The Olympics is something you need experience to be successful. These girls had no one to look up to, so they are pioneers for future Olympics," he added.

The Times of India

Indian Goalie E.Rajani: "We work hard, success is overdue



Due to somewhat misfiring forwardline and haphazard midfield that India is displaying here in Singapore, its Indian defence and goalkeeper that comes under immense pressure. Rio returned E. Rajani shoulders the responsibility of guarding the cage, and its her good game that went behind India’s final reach. She speaks to www.stick2hockey.com before the crucial Saturday Final. India had just finished its last pool match, losing a hard-fought match to China 2-3.

It was a game that had the backing of full stands, mostly of local Indians still India had lost. Rajani feels its because of defence game that his team played that led to the loss.

“We were not attacking. Almost three quarters we were so. It affected defence. We came under pressure, conceded two quick goals too. Its not easy to come back, but we did”.

“We had an excellent fourth quarter in which we struck two quick goals too”. On facing the same rival, Rajani feels India has advantage.

“It is beneficial, because today we understood our strength and weakness. It will come handy in the final. It will help us improve”.

“We will not repeat the mistakes we committed today”. “We will at the same time add to the strong points and will try to beat the Chinese for the gold”.

On her focus areas against formidable looking China in the final, shefelt tht the team need to concentrate essentially on two aspects:

“We have concentrate on penalty corner defence.”

“We have to exhibit controlled game in pressure situation.”

Rajani is also aware that Indian men have won two Asian level tournaments

“Yes, there is good environment all over. These teams worked hard and brought success. Its good. Its our turn now”.

“We are also working hard, and success is our due”.

Stick2Hockey.com

England revive hopes

by  Satwant Dhaliwal

England revived their hopes of reaching Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC) final after defeating bottom-placed New Zealand 4-2 on Friday.

The English defeated Malaysia 3-1 in their opening match before squandering a two-goal lead to Pakistan to draw 2-2 and stunned by Japan 2-1 on Wednesday.

England, who have many players from the Great Britain side that won the tournament last year, need to defeat Australia on Saturday to play in the 2016 finale on Sunday.

"We have to be more consistent because the two goals we conceded were individual errors. More concerning it more than one player," said Jon Bleby.

"I expect a tougher match against Australia. We are preparing for Junior World Cup and we need to find consistency."

Though England scored four times, the win did not come easy against a Kiwi side that have struggled in the tournament thus far. New Zealand even appeared to stage a comeback after going three-goals down.

England were two up by the half-time hooter with field goals by Jack Clee and Peter Scott in the 11th and 20th minute respectively. Edward Way made it 3-0 with a penalty corner conversion in the 40th minute.

The Kiwis struck back through Aidan Sarikaya and Dylan Thomas's fields goals in the 52nd and 57th minute to reduce the deficit to one goal, but England's Christopher Proctor restored the two-goal advantage shortly after.

"There is a lot of improvement needed. We must work much harder in our final group game and the Junior World Cup," said New Zealand coach Bryce Collins.

Sultan of Johor Cup official site

Aussies demolish Pakistan

by  Satwant Dhaliwal

Australia were clinical in disposing Pakistan 8-1 on Friday to book a place in Sunday's final for the coveted Sultan of Johor Cup (SOJC).

The Australia, who only dropped points in the 2-2 draw with hosts Malaysia on Tuesday, can now take their foot off the pedal in their final round-robin match against England on Saturday.

Pakistan, who play Japan next, are still in contention for the final with Japan and England.

"It was really a great all round performance and we responded well to whatever Pakistan three at us," said Australian coach Ben Bishop.

"There's no chance we'll take it easy in the next match. I'll keep to the same players. We ticking a lot of boxes as we progress and I want to continue that."

Australia went 3-0 up after 20 minutes with a double from Tom Craig in the fifth and 16th minute and Blake Govers' penalty corner.

Pakistan's Muhammad Atiq pulled one back from open play in the 25th minute but Craig got his hattrick in the 34th minute with another field goal.

The Burras continued their free scoring in the second half with a penalty corner by Frazer Gerrard while Max Hendry and Ryan Proctor made in 7-1 with field goals in the 50th and 64th minute respectively. Proctor scored another in the 68th minute to cap a perfect night.

"I never expected it because we had expectations of a win despite Australia being a very strong side. Maybe some of the players were complacent after beating Malaysia on Wednesday.

"We must bounce back against Japan. They are another strong side and been improving from the first match here in Johor," said Tahir Zaman.

Sultan of Johor Cup official site

Tom Craig scores hat trick against Pakistan

Burras win 8 - 1

Holly MacNeil



Tom Craig has nailed a hat trick on day 4 of the 2016 Sultan of Johor Cup to help the Australian Burras claim an 8 – 1 victory over Pakistan, their third win of the tournament.

Craig scored his trifecta in the first half of the match, with the first of his three field goals netted just five minutes into the match, the second at 17 minutes, and the third at 34 minutes.

Blake Govers backed Craig up in the first half, scoring a penalty corner; while Pakistan’s Muhammad Atiq clocked a field goal for his team. The score going into the half time break was Australia 4 – 1 Pakistan.

Frazer Gerrard and Max Hendry secured two more goals for the Aussies, with a penalty corner and a field goal respectively. The Burras secured the win with Ryan Proctor scoring a double to take the final margin to Australia 8 – 1 Pakistan.

"It was really a great all round performance and we responded well to whatever Pakistan threw at us," said Australian coach Ben Bishop.

"There's no chance we'll take it easy in the next match. I'll keep to the same players. We’re ticking a lot of boxes as we progress and I want to continue that."

The squad’s participation in the tournament, a key element of the preparation for the Junior World Cup, has been made possible thanks to the support of one of Hockey Australia’s key partners, the Australian Commonwealth Games Association, through its NextGEN AUSComGames program.

Australia next play England on day five of the competition.

BURRAS 8 (4)
Tom Craig 5, 17, 34 (FG, FG, FG)
Blake Govers 21 (PC)
Frazer Gerrard 47 (PC)
Max Hendry 50 (FG)
Ryan Proctor 64, 68 (FG, FG)

PAKISTAN 1 (1)
Muhammad Atiq 25 (FG)

Full results from Day 4:

MAS 1 – 2 JPN
AUS 8 – 1 PAK
NZL 2 – 4 ENG

League Standings
1. Australia
2. Japan
3. England
4. Pakistan
5. Malaysia
6. New Zealand

Hockey Australia media release

Nowhere to hide as Pakistan humiliated 8-1

By Nabil Tahir


Pakistan need to avoid defeat in the next match against Japan to qualify. PHOTO COURTESY: SULTANJOHORCUP.COM.MY

KARACHI: While many would have expected the match between the joint leaders of the Sultan of Johor Cup to be a close-fought affair, it turned out to be anything but as Pakistan were thrashed 8-1 by Australia in Johor Bahru, Malaysia yesterday.

Australia, who had hit New Zealand for nine on Wednesday, did not waste much time in drawing first blood as in the seventh minute, Blake Govers opened the scoring.

Tom Crates then successfully converted a penalty corner five minutes later to make it 2-0, while Govers netted his second goal of the game in the 16th minute.

The Australian defence marked Pakistan’s forwards out of the game and did not allow them any space to settle. But despite the heavy man-marking, Pakistan Atiq Arshad managed to find space and slot the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-1 in the 25th minute.

But hopes of a Pakistani comeback were instantly quashed as five minutes later the Colts conceded their fourth goal of the match, courtesy Tom Craig, to end the first half 4-1.

It was all Australia after that as in the second half they smashed four more goals — Max Hendry (50th), Ryan Procter (52nd, 67th) and Frazer Gerrard (64th) — as Pakistan were left bruising.

Coach Tahir Zaman had nothing to say except praise the way Australia played. “We are really disappointed with ourselves and with the result but Australia were too fast for us to handle. They are the strongest team in the tournament and it showed in the way they played today,” he told The Express Tribune.

Pakistan next face Japan of the tournament and need at least a draw if they are to make it to the next round.

And Zaman is confident his team will bounce back from this setback. “We will bounce back from this. But now we know how much more we have to work if we are to win the title,” he concluded.

The Express Tribune

Bleby hails "improving" England after New Zealand win


Chris Proctor breaks forwards with the ball

Jon Bleby’s England U21s kept alive their hopes of reaching the final of the Sultan of Johor Cup with a 4-2 win over New Zealand. Bouncing back from their defeat by Japan in the last match England saw off the challenge of the Junior Blacksticks to set up a must win game with Australia in their final pool match.

The England coach praised his side’s continued improvements throughout the tournament but stressed that they were “not quite there yet”:

“We’ve spoken in our team meetings and said that whether we win, lose or draw we want to keep improving. We’re not producing the perfect performance yet but we’re aiming for it and we’re getting better.” 

England hit the front in the 11th minute through a beautifully taken goal. Chris Proctor carved his way through the heart of the New Zealand midfield and slid the ball into Jack Clee. He calmly drew the goalkeeper before knocking it home. 

Peter Scott doubled the lead before half time with a turn and shot in the circle that found the net via a deflection. Five minutes after the interval Tom Sorsby bagged a third from a penalty corner to put England in a commanding lead.

New Zealand struck back in the 51st minute through Aidan Sarikaya and then made it 3-2 via an outrageous one-handed reverse stick strike from Dylan Thomas. However two minutes later Proctor made the game safe with a diving deflection to turn in Duncan Scott’s right wing cross.

At the full time whilst Bleby praised his team’s character saying:

“We’re pleased to get the win. We’ve conceded some late goals in the last games so I’m pleased we were better at getting ahead and staying ahead today.”

“We’re delighted to get the three points because it gives us a chance to make the final of this tournament. We have to beat Australia, it’ll be an Ashes battle but we’re very excited for it.”

England’s next match is the vital clash with Australia, 8am UK time which can be watched here. 

England U21 4 (2)
Jack Clee 11 (FG)
Peter Scott 28 (FG)
Tom Sorsby 40 (PC)
Chris Proctor 59 (FG)

New Zealand 2 (0)
Aidan Sarikaya 51 (FG)
Dylan Thomas 57 (FG)

England Hockey Board Media release

Keegan names Women's U21 squad for Junior World Cup


England U21s Women 2016

Craig Keegan, Head Coach of the England Women’s U21s has named the squad to compete in the Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile.

The competition which starts on 24 November and runs until the final on 4 December pits the 16 best women’s U21 teams in the world against each other.

England have been drawn in Pool C and will open their campaign on 24 November against hosts, Chile. They then take on Australia on 26 November before their final pool match against South Africa on 28 November.

The group contains a number of the athletes who recently competed at the 5 Nations Tournament in Valencia. Nine of the squad come from University of Birmingham with Beeston and Loughborough Students supplying two athletes apiece.

Keegan told England Hockey:

“We’re taking a very talented team. It is a very young team but what we lack in experience we make up for in the ability this group has.”

“We are aiming to teach the players what it takes to compete at international level and a tournament of this prestige and this quality is the perfect place to do that. We want to compete and we are aiming to get to the quarter finals. After that, who knows what might happen? It’s a great chance to test the players and get them ready for what it might be like if they make it to senior international level.”

The players selected are listed below along with their clubs:

Esme Burge (Beeston)
Alicia Caillard  (Birmingham University)
Charlotte Calnan (Surbiton)
Meg Crowson (Exeter University)
Charlotte Daly (Loughborough Students)
Holly Hunt (Birmingham University)
Kathryn Lane (Leicester)
Lydia Macdonell (Birmingham University)
Harriet Mitchell (Birmingham University)
Holly Munro (Birmingham University)
Lizzie Neal (Canterbury)
Olivia Paige (Birmingham University)
Miriam Pritchard (GK) (Oxford Hawks)
Ellie Rayer (Loughborough Students)
Erica Sanders (Birmingham University)
Katherine Somerville (GK) (Birmingham University)
Eloise Stenner (Beeston)
Alice Wills (Birmingham University)

Support Staff
Craig Keegan      Head Coach
Colin Clarke        Assistant Coach
Gareth Weaver-Tyler     Assistant Coach
Sam Beveridge  Team Manager
Lynn Booth         Physiotherapist

England Hockey Board Media release

Scottish National League serves up some big games this weekend



Edinburgh University coach Graham Moodie insists that there is a way to go before his charges become the finished article, but taking three points in this weekend’s tricky first division fixture at Hillhead would be a step in the right direction.

Edinburgh are third in the table in perhaps their best ever start to a league campaign, but Moodie is taking a longer term view. "I`m not bothered about our league position, at some point we want to win the league, so if we are not top there is still work to do," said Moodie.

There is not much wrong with the students’ goal scoring efforts with 21 scored in the five matches so far; the main contributors being former Scotland forward Ian Moodie, Antonis Efthymiou, and Dan Coultas from set pieces.

Moodie is well aware that Hillhead, sitting mid-table, will be no pushover on their own patch. He said, "They are doing really well under new coach Mark Ralph and I`m sure it will be an entertaining match as there are always goals when we play each other. From our own perspective we will approach the game professionally and we know when we play our best we can beat anyone in the league."

But Ralph is also confident of a positive outcome to the contest. "It will be a tough game as they have a lot of junior and senior international players, but if we play to our potential for the full game we can win."

Ralph continued: "We have had a couple of good results but have also got ourselves in a good position to win another couple of games and then let it slip, we need to play at a high standard for the whole 70 minutes."

In particular, the Hillhead coach was referring to the Grove Menzieshill game where he watched his charges go into the interval two ahead only to go on and lose the contest 3-2.

Ironically both sides played Uddingston Riva last weekend; Edinburgh drew 2-2 but Hillhead clocked up a 4-1 Friday Night Lights victory after a whirlwind first half. Uddingston will be looking to put some more points on the board when they host Western Wildcats who are chasing at their heels in the table.

Following newly promoted Watsonians dramatic winning start to the campaign the side has suffered two straight defeats, but they will be looking to buck that trend against league leaders Grange.

Grange are the only unbeaten side in the country in league and cup business, and are gaining in confidence as the positive results roll in. None more so than their 2-1 win over 12-times league champions Bromac Kelburne two weeks ago, although perhaps outplayed for large portions of the game, it was strikes by Callum Milne from the spot and a late winner from Duncan Riddell that took the points.

Kelburne will be looking to at least hold on to second spot with a win over PSL Clydesdale while fourth placed Grove Menzieshill will play host to bottom side Gordonians.

Only one game will feature in Women’s National League 1 this weekend and it will see Erskine Stewarts Melville take on Hillhead. Western Wildcats are currently in fourth and five points off the top of the table, while Erskine Stewarts Melville are second bottom on nine points.

Scottish Hockey Union media release

Title chasing Strathmore University Scorpions take on JKUAT in hockey league

By BRIAN YONGA


Strathmore University Scorpions' Yvonne Wanjiku (left) tries to win the ball back from Sandra Vandoti of USIU-A Spartans during their Kenya Hockey Union women's Premier League match at City Park Stadium on August 7, 2016. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | 

Second-placed Strathmore University Scorpions take on Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) at the City Park Stadium on Saturday in their penultimate Kenya Hockey Union (KHU) women’s Premier League match as they bid to maintain their title charge.

Scorpions, who are on 14 points, trail champions and runaway leaders Telkom Orange by five points heading into this match and know that anything short of a win will see Orange claim a 19th title.

The university side are on a roll, winning their last three league matches including last weekend’s 2-0 win against Kenyatta University (KU) Titans.

Scorpions coach Meshack Senge remains optimistic about his team’s title chances and has called on them to fight till the end.

“We still have an outside chance of winning the title but that depends on us winning our remaining matches and hope Amira beat Orange in their final game. We will not stop believing,” Senge told Saturday Nation Sport.

“JKUAT have not had a good season but this is a derby where form counts for nothing with only bragging rights at stake.”

Senge will welcome back international Gilly Okumu, who missed the win against Titans and the latter will partner Lucy Wanjku upfront.

JKUAT, who lie second from bottom with only one win from six matches, will be seeking an improved performance.

Since beating Daystar University 1-0 in their opening game of the season, the Juja-based side have lost five straight matches.

JKUAT coach Samuel Nyabuto intends to play defensively so as to contain the attack-minded Scorpions.

“We have not had consistency in our team this season and that has contributed to our poor form. Hopefully we can shut out Scorpions on Saturday,” he said.

In another women’s encounter, third-placed Amira Sailors take on fifth-placed Sliders as they seek to finish second and qualify for next year’s Africa Club Championship.

Amira, who are making their debut in the top-flight, were lucky to escape with a point during last weekend’s 0-0 draw against USIU Spartans.

The Chase Bank sponsored- side will fancy their chances against a Sliders side that has not won in four matches and got hammered 6-0 by Orange last weekend.

“We have got to be more clinical upfront if we want to secure second place. Our poor finishing has seen us drop points this season,” Amira coach Linet Onyango said.

Fourth-placed Spartans host bottom-placed Daystar University on Sunday in another women’s tie.

In the men’s second-tier league, a victory or a draw for second-placed Impala Club against Multimedia University will see the team go top on Sunday.

FIXTURES (ALL MATCHES AT CITY PARK STADIUM UNLESS STATED)

Saturday

Premier women: Amira Sailors v Sliders – 12pm, Strathmore University v JKUAT- 2pm
National men: Kabarak University v Kimathi University – 2pm (Kabarak), Thika Rovers v Karate Axion – 4pm, Multimedia v Impala – 6pm

Daily Nation

Premier women: KU Titans v Vikings -9am, USIU Spartans v Daystar – 11am
National men: JKUAT v TUK – 1pm, Daystar University v Thika Rovers – 3pm

Daily Nation

No. 5 UNC upsets No. 1 Duke to move on to ACC title game

UNC Athletics


The Tar Heels will face Virginia in the ACC finals on Sunday afternoon. UNC Athletics

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Fifth-ranked North Carolina earned a spot in the 2016 Atlantic Coast Conference field hockey championship game with a 3-2 semifinals win Friday afternoon over top-ranked Duke, the No. 1 seed in the tournament. Sophomore Malin Evert’s goal in the 65th minute gave the Tar Heels their first lead of the game and they held on for the victory at Wake Forest’s Kentner Stadium.

“I’m proud of our Tar Heels for advancing to the ACC championship game,” UNC coach Karen Shelton said. “It was a great performance today, a team effort against a very good Duke defense.”

UNC improved to 17-4 and will face No. 6 seed Virginia, winner of Friday’s second semifinal game against No. 7 seed Wake Forest. The title game is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. back at Kentner Stadium. And if Friday’s game is any indicator, fans should plan to be on time.

Anyone who was two minutes late to watch UNC-Duke missed all of the first-half scoring. The Blue Devils (15-3) got a goal on their first trip inside the circle as Margaux Paolino sent a pass from the right baseline out to Aisling Naughton, who nailed a close-range shot to put the Blue Devils up 1-0 just 1:05 into the game.

UNC answered quickly. Sophomore Ashley Hoffman grabbed a ball had been kicked by Duke goalkeeper Sammi Steele and shot it back past her to tie the game at 1-1 just shy of two minutes into the action.

The pace slowed, however, and the score stayed tied at 1-1 through the rest of the half and nine minutes into the second period before Naughton got another goal to give her team a 2-1 advantage.

Sixteen minutes later, it was Hoffman’s turn again, this time in a very different sort of opportunity.  In the 60th minute, Tar Heels were awarded a penalty stroke, just their second of the season, after UNC’s Marissa Creatore was fouled from behind in the circle. For the first time in her UNC career, Hoffman got the call to attempt the stroke, and she calmly sent her shot into the lower left corner of the cage to even the score at 2-2.

“I was pretty calm — I knew I had to be,” she said. “I was talking myself through it: what I was going to do, how I was going do it, visualizing it … all that stuff. I was excited — a stroke should be a goal. I was also a little nervous.”

She executed perfectly and for the second day in a row, the Tar Heels were tied at 2-2 down the stretch. In Thursday’s 3-2 win over Louisville, the game-winner came with no time remaining on the clock, but this time UNC didn’t wait quite that long. With 5:49 left to play, senior Emma Bozek sent a ball from the left out to Evert, who carried it just inside the circle and rifled a shot barely inside the right post for the win.

“Our ability to pass the ball, to see each other, to unselfishly move it along is critical for our success,” Shelton said. “I think the girls know that and I think they’re excited. They’re finally seeing what we’ve been talking about all season coming to fruition.”

Duke pulled Steele with 4:17 remaining in an effort to tie the game again with an additional field player, but the Blue Devils couldn’t get another goal.

UNC outshot Duke 17-3 in the second half and 22-6 for the game. The Tar Heels led 13-5 in penalty corners.

It was the third meeting of the season between the Carolina and Duke. UNC won the first, 3-2 in Chapel Hill on Sept. 25, and DU won the second, 3-0 in Durham on Oct. 22.

North Carolina is the defending ACC champion and will play Sunday for its 20th conference crown.

“I’m just really excited for the entire team that we’re going to be there, in the ACC championship game,” Hoffman said.

NCAA

Welma Luus’ overtime goal sends Maryland field hockey to Big Ten tournament title game

By James Crabtree-Hannigan


Forward Welma Luus moves the ball back towards the net in Maryland's 3-2 win against Northwestern in the Big Ten tournament semifinal at the Field Hockey and Lacrosse Complex on November 4, 2016. (Reid Poluhovich / The Diamondback)

In each of the Maryland field hockey team's first three years in the Big Ten, its played Northwestern twice. Once in the regular season and once in the Big Ten tournament.

In the first two years, the series ended in a sweep, with the regular season winner triumphing in tournament play as well.

Northwestern, the only Big Ten team to beat Maryla nd since it joined the conference, again beat the Terps in the regular season Sept. 25.

Friday, forward Welma Luus bucked the trend with a goal less than two minutes into overtime to secure the Terps' 3-2 win over Northwestern in the Big Ten semifinals. The victory sends the Terps to Sunday's Big Ten championship game against Penn State.

Northwestern opened the scoring in the seventh minute with a penalty corner goal.

Goalkeeper Sarah Bates made a save on the initial shot, but she could only slightly deflect Northwestern midfielder Isabel Flens' shot on the rebound. The ball snuck by her and into the net.

Not long after, Maryland also converted its first corner of the contest. Defender Grace Balsdon scored from the top of the circle to tie the game.

Flens gave the Wildcats back the lead with another penalty corner score in the 20th minute.

Maryland controlled the first half after that, but Northwestern goalkeeper Lindsay von der Luft and the rest of the Wildcats defense prevented the Terps from scoring. They earned four more penalty corners and took 11 shots after Northwestern took the 2-1 lead but couldn't convert any of those chances.

The defense blocked seven Terps shots in the first half, and von der Luft had five saves. So even though Maryland outshot the Wildcats, 14-5, Northwestern carried its 2-1 lead into the break.

It was much of the same in the second half. Northwestern still struggled to create much offense, and much of the game was played in its defensive half.

About halfway through the second period, the Terps capitalized on the pressure. Forward Sophie Pelzer received the ball in the circle and simply dribbled down the baseline toward the near post.

von der Luft met her there, but Pelzer pushed the ball past her for an equalizer after the Terps outshot Northwestern, 4-1 to that point in the second half.

There was back-and-forth action to end the second half, but neither team could score a potential game winner as time ticked down.

Flens picked up a five-minute yellow card penalty with less than two minutes to go in the game. That carried over into overtime, giving the Terps a 6-on-5 advantage to begin the extra period.

Flens didn't get the chance to return to the field. Luus scored off a rebound 1:41 into the overtime period. Her hard shot from the middle of the circle went through the legs of von der Luft as she attempted to shuffle across the net to get in front of the shot.

The Diamondback

Penn State field hockey defeats Michigan, advances to Big Ten Championship

John Hogan


Madison Morano (7) celebrates a goal with Moira Putsch during the game against Michigan State at Penn State Field Hockey Complex . Tap Permyao

"Down to the wire" was no exaggeration for No. 6 Penn State in a 1-0 victory over No. 10 Michigan that sent the Nittany Lions to the Big Ten title game for the first time since 2012.

The lone goal came unassisted off of the stick of Moira Putsch with just 3:30 remaining in the game.

During a defensive match, the Lions dominated the shot count, outshooting the Wolverines 14-7.

Goalkeeper Jenny Rizzo didn't see much action, as she only had to record three saves to keep the Wolverines off of the scoreboard.

However, Rizzo’s counterpart, Wolverines goaltender Sam Swenson, faced a good amount of shots, making seven saves but ultimately allowing the game-winning goal late.

The Lions will face the winner of No. 3 Maryland and No. 12 Northwestern in the championship game on Sunday.

The Daily Collegian

Maine falls to California in field hockey playoffs

The Black Bears drop a 3-2 decision in the America East playoffs in Stockton, California.

Katerina Carter scored an unassisted goal with 3:12 to play to give California (5-12) the lead for good as it eliminated Maine (13-7) in the opening round of the America East field hockey playoffs with a 3-2 victory Friday in Stockton, California.

Maine’s Danielle Aviani scored the only goal of the first half, banking a feed from Lilla Tilton-Flood with 3:11 left.

Nicole Henriksson tied the game on an assist from Carter 4:31 into the second half, before Aviani gave Maine the lead back with her second goal of the game on a set-up from Samantha Wagg 6:02 later.

Keats Iwanaga scored the game-tying goal for Cal on a penalty stroke with 6:23 left.

Emma Cochran and Emily Corbett combined for six saves for the Black Bears, Danielle Mentink turned aside eight shots for California.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY: Sydney Helmbrecht turned aside 23 shots as the University of New England (1-2) shut out Southern Maine (0-2) 2-0 in a non-conference game in Gorham.

Marykate Drinkwater scored with assists from Shannon Smith and Abby Kinens 1:05 into the second period to open the scoring for the Nor’easters, while Annie Mullen added a third-period goal on a feed from Melissa Boudreau.

Britney Evangelista had 25 saves for the Huskies.

The Portland Press Herald

U.S. Olympic Committee Recognizes USWNT Head Coach Parnham as 2015 National Coach of the Year



COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -  The United States Olympic Committee today announced its annual award recipients for 2015 national coaches of the year. On the Olympic side, Craig Parnham (field hockey; Lancaster, Pennsylvania) was honored as National Coach of the Year, while John Devorss (wheelchair tennis; Salem, Oregon) was recognized as Paralympic National Coach of the Year. Additionally, Brett Wolf (judo; Chicago, Illinois) was selected Developmental Coach of the Year, Carl Cepuran (speedskating; Glen Ellyn, Illinois) was named Volunteer Coach of the Year and Warren Pretorius (tennis; Park City, Utah) took home the Doc Councilman Science Award.  

National Governing Bodies selected their 2015 Coaches of the Year as part of the USOC Coach of the Year Recognition Program. Three national finalists in each category were selected by a panel of coaching and sport education professionals.

"I am delighted to be recognized for such a prestigious award," said Parnham. "When I look back at the previous winners it is humbling to be listed alongside such names. Of course the success of any team is down to many people. I would like to thank the athletes and staff who have been part of the U.S. Women’s National Team for their commitment and dedication and to all those that have supported the program during the past years."

National Coach of the Year – Craig Parnham, USA Field Hockey

Since taking over at the helm of the U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team in January 2013, Parnham has made an indelible impact that has helped propel the program to new heights and a top-10 International Hockey Federation world ranking. During this short tenure, the U.S. climbed in the world rankings to eighth after the 2014 Rabobank World Cup, and eventually catapulted to fifth in 2015, marking a historic milestone for the program. Highlighting the 2015 season, he guided the U.S. women to the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Toronto, where the team also earned direct qualification to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games with a semifinal victory over Canada.

Paralympic National Coach of the Year – John Devorss, U.S. Tennis Association

Devorss led the U.S. to the quad title at the 2015 World Team Cup, the International Tennis Federation’s flagship wheelchair tennis event. The 2015 season also saw him play a key role in guiding David Wagner to two Grand Slam doubles titles and multiple tournament victories en route to securing the year-end No. 1 world ranking in quad doubles and No. 2 spot in singles. His example has helped broaden the spectrum of professional coaching in American wheelchair tennis at both the elite and grassroots levels. In addition to serving as a national team coach, he also remains fully committed to his local program in Salem, Oregon, and advancing wheelchair tennis at the development level. 

Developmental Coach of the Year – Brett Wolf, USA Judo

Wolf’s impact on USA Judo stems larger than guiding athletes in winning more than 70 percent of the matches he coached in 2015 across senior elite, Paralympic and junior divisions. A pioneer of Paralympic judo, he oversaw 20 national medalists and 10 national champions in 2015, with five different athletes on the USA Judo national team roster reaching top-five individual rankings. Under his tutelage, the Chicago-based Menomonee Judo Club helped produce six Paralympic judokas ranked in the International Blind Sports Federation world rankings. With more than 350 students in the Chicagoland area, Menomonee is one of the leading judo dojos in the country, helping shape the future of USA Judo’s athlete pipeline.

Volunteer Coach of the Year – Carl Cepuran, US Speedskating

A volunteer coach at the Glen Ellyn Speed Skating Club, Cepuran has dedicated himself to helping grow the sport and broadening participation throughout the Midwest. As a token of his dedication, he launched the Heartland Racing Series, a regional competition to help transition and progress skaters to the next level. In an effort to further expand and build awareness of the sport, he invited ice hockey players to try speedskating as way of improving their own skillset. His passion for speedskating also translates off the ice as he works to partner with local businesses to acquire sponsorships and generate exposure for local meets.

National Doc Counsilman Science Award – Warren Pretorius, U.S. Tennis Association

As the founder of Tennis Analytics – a company that provides match analysis and player performance services for the U.S. Tennis Association and several NCAA institutions – Pretorius has played an integral role in advancing the tracking of player development and match performance. His software is frequently used to compare a player’s strokes over time and alongside those of elite professional athletes. The analytical breakthrough of his technology allows coaches to easily access data, analyze game and practice repetitions, and also pinpoint match-defining moments from any web-enabled device. Pretorius is a U.S. Professional Tennis Association Master Professional, a designation held by less than one percent of certified teaching professionals worldwide.

All-Time USOC Coach of the Year Award Recipients

National Coach of the Year

The National Coach of the Year is presented to a coach of an elite-level club, collegiate or national-level team, or the coach of an elite athlete who competes at the highest level of his/her sport.

1996          Tara VanDerveer, U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Coach
1997          Frank Carroll, Olympic figure skating coach of Michelle Kwan
1998          Ben Smith, U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey coach
1999          Chris Carmichael, Cycling Coach of Lance Armstrong
2000          Richard Quick, U.S. Olympic Women’s Swimming Team coach
2001-02     Pete del’Giudice, U.S. Snowboarding coach
2003          Lloyd Woodhouse, USA Shooting National Team coach
2004          Mike Candrea, U.S. Softball Women’s National Team coach
2005          Eddie Reese, U.S. Men’s National Swimming Team coach
2006          Bud Keene, U.S. Snowboarding coach
2007          Guy Baker, U.S. National Water Polo Team coach
2008          Hugh McCutcheon, U.S. Men’s National Volleyball Team coach
2009          Bob Bradley, U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team coach
2010          Brian Shimer, U.S. men’s bobsled head coach
2011          Rick Bower, U.S. Halfpipe Snowboarding Team coach
2012          Adam Krikorian, U.S. Women’s National Water Polo Team coach
2013          Erik Flora, Alaska Pacific University Nordic Ski Club head coach
2014          Skogen Sprang, U.S. Slopestyle Skiing Team head coach
2015          Craig Parnham, U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team head coach

Paralympic National Coach of the Year

The Paralympic National Coach of the Year is presented to a coach of an elite-level club, collegiate or national-level team, or the coach of an elite athlete who competes at the highest level of his/her sport.

2004          Mike Hulett, USA Women’s Sitting Volleyball Team coach
2005          Randi Smith, U.S. Paralympic Archery Team Head coach
2006          Julie O’Neill, U.S. Paralympic Swim Team head coach
2007          Adam Bleakney, U.S. Paralympic Wheelchair Track coach
2008          Ken Armbruster, U.S. Paralympic Women’s Goalball head coach
2009          Scott Moore, Denver Judo coach
2010          Ray Watkins, 2010 U.S. Paralympic Alpine Ski Team          coach
2011          Dave Denniston, U.S. Paralympic Swimming head coach
2012          Tom Franke, U.S. Paralympic Swimming head coach
2013          Adam Bleakney, U.S. Paralympic Track & Field coach
2014          Brian Loeffler, Swimming, U.S. Paralympic Swimming Team coach
2015          John Devorss, Salem Tennis and Swim Club

Developmental Coach of the Year

The Developmental Coach of the Year is presented to a coach at the youth club, high school or junior level, or a coach who is directly responsible for training athletes to reach the junior and/or elite level.

1996          Jeff Shaffer, University of Southern California
1997          Dianne Holum, Speedskating
1998          Mike Stafford, Millvale Golden Gloves Gym
1999          Tom Healy, Northbrook Speedskating Club
2000          Fred Zimny, Luge
2001-02     Mike Eaves, U.S. National Under-18 Hockey Team
2003          Bob Fraley, Fresno State University Track and Field
2004          Dwayne Miller, Norfolk Real Deal Track Club
2005          Tammy Gambill, U.S. Figure Skating
2006          Mark Mitchell and Peter Johansson, U.S. Figure Skating
2007          Paul Yetter, USA Swimming
2008          Rajul Sheth, Table Tennis
2009          John Wingfield, Director and Head Coach of USA Diving National Training Center
2010          Michael Nyitray, United States Bowling Congress
2011          James Hrbek, USA Judo
2012          Michael Nyitray, United States Bowling Congress
2013          Kathleen Johnston, USA Triathlon
2014          George Ryals, Archery Learning Center
2015          Brett Wolf, Menomonee Judo Club

Volunteer Coach of the Year

The Volunteer Coach of the Year is presented to a coach who does not receive payment in any form for his/her involvement in coaching at any level.

2003          Carol Hardemon, Metro Dade Track Club
2004          Barry Hunter, Washington, D.C. Boxing coach
2005          Cindi Hart, IndySpeed Sport Club head coach (speedskating)
2006          Booker Woods, LA JETS head coach (track and field)
2007          Sherman Nelson, USA Taekwondo coach
2008          Rita Gladstone, Area Tennis League coordinator
2009          Brian McCutcheon, Oahu Taekwondo Center instructor
2010          Dave Farmer, Aurora Saracens Rugby Club coach
2011          Tom Waga, Brigham Young University Rugby coach
2012          Don Showalter, USA Basketball Men’s Developmental National Team coach
2013          Bienvenido “Benny” Roman, USA Boxing Training Camp coach
2014          Kathleen Stevenson, Oklahoma Storm Junior Olympic Archer Development Team coach
2015          Carl Cepuran, Glen Ellyn Speedskating

Doc Counsilman Science Award

The Doc Counsilman Science Award recognizes a coach who utilizes scientific techniques and equipment as an integral part of his/her coaching methods or has created innovative ways to use sport science.

2004          Joe Vigil, USA Track & Field
2005          Dr. Kyle Pierce, USA Weightlifting
2006          Kate Arbour, U.S. Figure Skating
2007          Sean O’Neill, U.S. Paralympics Table Tennis
2008          Dave Bennett, USA Wrestling
2009          Heidi Thibert, U.S. Figure Skating and Edora Pool and Ice Center coach
2010          Dr. Grant Schaffner, U.S. Bobsled & Skeleton Federation
2011          Neal Henderson, USA Cycling
2012          Doug Eng, U.S. Tennis Association
2013          Gordon Uehling III, U.S. Tennis Association
2014          Dave Hamilton, U.S. Women’s National Field Hockey Team director of performance science
2015          Warren Pretorius, Tennis Analytics

Content courtesy of the USOC

USFHA media release

USA Field Hockey's Craig Parnham named National Coach of the Year

DIANA PUGLIESE


USA Head Coach, Craig Parnham, talks with his team after playing Argentina to a 1-1 draw in an international field hockey game at Spooky Nook Sports Complex Friday February 13, 2015. Chris Knight

United States women's field hockey team coach Craig Parnham was named National Coach of the Year by the U.S. Olympic Committee on Friday.

The USOC announced its full list of 2015 award recipients, highlighted by Parnham on the Olympic level and John Devorss of the U.S. Tennis Association as the Paralympic National Coach of the Year.

Three national finalists were selected in each category by a panel of coaching and sport education professionals before the winners were revealed.

Also being recognized were USA Judo's Brett Wolf as Developmental Coach of the Year, Cari Cepuran of U.S. Speedskating as Volunteer Coach of the Year and the U.S. Tennis Association's Warren Pretorius as the winner of the National Doc Councilman Science Award

Former USA Field Hockey Director of Performance Science Dave Hamilton won the science award in 2014.

Parnham's recognition marked the first time the Coach of the Year honor was bestowed upon the head of the national field hockey team.

"I am delighted to be recognized for such a prestigious award," Parnham said via a team release. "When I look back at the previous winners it is humbling to be listed alongside such names. Of course the success of any team is down to many people. I would like to thank the athletes and staff who have been part of the U.S. Women’s National Team for their commitment and dedication and to all those that have supported the program during the past years."

In 2015, Parnham led Team USA to fifth place in the International Hockey Federation rankings — the squad's highest ever ranking — after finishing fourth at the World Cup and winning the Champions Challenge in 2014.

The U.S. also won its second consecutive Pan Americans Games gold in 2015 to qualify for the 2016 Rio Olympics, where the team finished fifth overall. That same year, the Americans won bronze at the Champions Trophy, their highest finish at the tournament since 1995

Parnham announced his resignation as head coach of Team USA in October, following nearly four years at the helm.

Assistant coach Janneke Schopman will take over starting on January 1, while Parnham transitions into a new role with USA Field Hockey as Director of Coach Education and Learning.

Lancaster Online

Oltmans has the skill of finding match-winners: Jagbir Singh

Jaspreet Sahni

CHANDIGARH: It's been more than three years that Roelant Oltmans has been in the thick of Indian hockey. Appointed as the High Performance Director in January 2013, his role has swung between monitoring performance, scouting talent and answering SOS calls from Hockey India (HI) to double up as coach amid controversy-ridden musical chairs. But Oltmans took up and answered every challenge thrown at him. And not just that, under him the team's performance graph has risen both on the ground and in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Rankings.

It's not a surprise then that HI has asked for an extension of the Dutchman's contract until the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The team has won elusive global medals, most notably a silver medal at the 2016 Champions Trophy, and appears a well-knit unit on and off the pitch. And the Sports Authority of India (SAI) shouldn't have much of an issue to okay HI's request.

But what's the secret behind Oltmans' longevity when coaches like Jose Brasa, Terry Walsh and Paul van Ass have come and left in unceremonious circumstances?

"For anyone to succeed in a different culture, it is important how he does it one to one," former India striker Jagbir Singh said talking to TOI. "He (Oltmans) is doing that very well, not only with players but also the officials, administrators and media. He has a flexible and adjusting nature. That's why he is having a long, successful run."

Jagbir also said that Oltmans has nurtured a healthy challenging environment in the team, which has helped him get the best out of players like Rupinder Pal Singh whose 11 penalty-corner strikes helped India lift the Asian Champions Trophy recently.

"When a coach starts challenging a player in a healthy way, then there is always a good change. Every good coach and every good player need each other. Team is of 16 or 18 but to find match winners and use them consistently and sharpen them, this skill Oltmans has," Jagbir said.

The Times of India

Namdhari XI blank RCF in hockey opener

Rachna Khaira

Jalandhar: Namdhari XI blanked Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, 4-0 in the  opening match of the 33rd Surjit Hockey Tournament, which kicked off with fanfare at the Burton Park here today.

The Namdhari boys displayed great skills and were in control right from the beginning, making frequent advances into the RCF half.

The side, however, got its first goal only in the 22nd minute when Jasdeep’s strike from the right flank beat the RCF custodian. 

With Namdhari XI leading 1-0 at half-time, RCF tried to make amends in the second half of the game. However, they could not penetrate a dogged Namdhari defence.  

The side slumped further as Ramdhari Bhagat Singh’s penalty corner conversion in the 49th minute strengthened Namdhari XI’s position.

He struck again five minutes later to make it 3-0 in favour of his side. Kanwardeep Singh pounced on a rebound from the RCF goalkeeper in the 56th minute to complete the rout. 

Earlier, the tournament got off to glittering start with Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Vijay Sampla inaugurating the event.

This year’s edition also witnessed the return of women’s hockey after a gap of two years.

In the first match, Punjab XI eves tamed their RCF counterparts 6-2, with Reet scoring a hat-trick for the winners. Reet struck in the 61st, 69th and 70th minutes after Navpreet Kaur put the side ahead with goals in the 8th and 12th minutes of the game.

Reena Khokhar (40) and Ritusha (57) scored for RCF.

The Tribune