News for 04 September 2017
All the news for Monday 4 September 2017
Burkhardt completes double-double Dutch gold in Valencia
©: Frank Uijlenbroek/world Sport Pics
The Netherlands scored a perfect five from five to land the men’s EuroHockey Junior Championships gold medal as they eventually overcame Belgium following a titanic tussle in Valencia.
For the Oranje, it means they won an incredible four European titles in the sapce of seven days, adding to the men's and women's senior golds and, later on Sunday, the women's Under-21 success with a 6-0 win with Belgium the final victims each time.
In the end, it was top scorer from AH&BC Amsterdam, Boris Burkhardt, who slotted the winning shoot-out, dodging right and slipping past Benjamin Pierre to score his side’s fifth effort.
It capped a superb final of end-to-end hockey with both sides having their spells in the ascendancy with the Belgians fighting back in the closing minutes to equalise.
The Dutch had taken the lead inside the first ten minutes when Jochem Bakker picked out Noud Schoenaker from back to front and the forward worked some space and cracked the ball home.
Alexis Lemaire equalised almost immediately with his third penalty stroke of the week, netting after a melee in the circle offered the opportunity.
Burkhardt put the Netherlands back in front when he whipped home a drag-flick past Charles Masset for his 11th goal of the tournament. And they remained in the box seat for much of the second half with Joren Romijn making a pair of glorious saves in quick succession from Dragons' Henri Raes and Tommy Willems.
Belgium kept fighting and they got their reward when Nicolas Poncelet’s ball into the middle broke to Loic Sidler who returned a pass across the face of goal to the waiting Gregory Stockbroekx who juggled the ball into the net.
It sent the game to shoot-out where the first round ended with both sides on the board. Jochem Bakker put the Dutch 2-1 up before Romijn kept out Raes. It was the game-breaker as the next four shoot-outs were all scored, giving Burkhardt the chance to net the crucial goal.
Reflecting on the victory, goalkeeper Joren Romijn said it was a superb team effort to bounce back after two tough draws to open the campaign.
“After the hard games in the pool against Spain and England, two points from two games, you know its going to be hard. It was always possible to get the nine goals against Portugal [to get through] and once we did that, we knew there were just four teams left.
“We played an incredible game against Germany; today it wasn’t always good but we just won and it’s incredible.”
Asked about his role in the shoot-out, while he kept out one effort, he hailed the efforts of the side’s shoot-out takers for scoring a perfect set.
“I don’t think it was even my part because we scored five out of five. We trained shoot-outs a lot; I hoped to stop three or four of them but one was enough.
“We didn’t decide before the tournament about who would be in goal for the shoot-outs. We discussed it before the semi-final and we said that I was ending the game and so if it was going to shoot-outs, then I would be the guy.
“You always want to be important for the team. We defended the whole tournament really well. Of course, it’s nice to be an important part of the team but it doesn’t matter how you win. We are European champions.”
Burkhardt’s plans for the next few hours were simple: “Party! Of course!”
Euro Hockey League media release
England U21 women claim Euro bronze
England U21 women win v Germany
England U21 women claimed bronze at the EuroHockey Junior Championships after a dramatic comeback against Germany.
Two strikes in the final four minutes from Holly Munro and Esme Burge saw England edge ahead in the closing minutes to secure third place.
Earlier Erica Sanders had put England into an early lead but Nele Aring and Elisa Grave saw Germany battle back in the second half and Grave’s penalty corner on 55 minutes looked like it may be the winner.
But England kept their cool and converted two penalty corners of their own in the 56 and 58 minutes to win bronze and round off an impressive campaign in Valencia.
England Hockey Board Media release
Caren and Irish junior men left to reflect on harsh realities of European relegation
Geoff Cole is consoled by Portugal’s Vicente Mourao. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek/World Sport Pics
Ireland’s Under-21 men claimed their first win in the EuroHockey Junior Championships top tier since the turn of the century but it will be of cold comfort to Jonny Caren and his side who suffered relegation to the second tier for 2019.
At the start of the day, Ireland needed to cause a 19-goal swing in their favour between the Portugal tie and England beating Austria by a decent margin. But the English were unable to break down a stubborn Austrian defence often enough, closing out a 1-0 result.
It left Ireland needing a massive 18-goal win though there was an outside chance given the Portuguese had conceded double-figures on three occasions. Ireland started brilliantly with Simon Wolfe turning home a Julian Dale cross from the right for 1-0 after two minutes.
Wolfe again netted in the third minute with a ripper of a shot from the top of the circle. But the goals slowed up after that with the third coming in the 20th minute when John Mullins tapped in. Luke Madeley scored the first of his five goals from the first penalty corner.
Portugal, though, replied with their first goal of the tournament from Joao Basilio which added to the goals required tally. A Conor Empey finish made it 5-1 at half-time with 14 more strikes needed.
Madeley and Vasco Ribeiro exchanged goals in the third quarter to advance the score to 6-2 as hopes dissipated markedly. Five final quarter goals from Ireland augmented the score with Madeley adding three while Geoff Cole and Dale weighed in but the final score was greeted with little joy.
It means Ireland have been unable to retain their place in the top level of this competition since 1984, going three separate promotions and relegations in that time.
Jonny Caren said of the final outcome: “It wasn’t about today, it was about the points we lost through the tournament. The Austria game was very hard to take because it was factors outside of our influence which caused the issue. If we took three points out of that game rather than one, we would have stayed up. We left it was too little, too late today.
“There’s a lot of hard lessons to come out of this tournament: the coaching staff, the players pushing for senior spots and those guys who will be around in two years time. It’s important we debrief this properly and learn.”
By comparison to many of their rivals in Valencia who trained together on a regular basis since last December’s Junior World Cup, Ireland had a curtailed preparation programme.
As with all Irish underage squads this summer, it was wholly self-funded. A number of sponsors were secured but there was still a contribution of €500 per player that had to be made to represent the side.
“You can either complain about the situation and put your energy into that or put energy into doing something about it and that’s what these boys do,” Caren added. “It’s not right and it’s not fair that a group of 21-year-olds be expected to pay to play for their country, to fundraise to go to a tournament. It’s not right at all.
“The thing is the squad were proactive about things and got the job done. Programme-wise, we would have loved to have three or four trips away and to gel as a group. We didn’t get them and so we did the best we could with games against the [Irish] senior squad, Pakistan men and Scotland came over. We had a little bit of content there but not enough to compete at this level.
“This is my passion, to help younger guys pushing for an international spot. You can’t ask any more of them. The thing for me is we go from this tournament to probably not being thought about until the next European tournament in two years time.
“That’s not right. This needs to be a continual programme, we need to be training. Otherwise, the gap is too big. Against England was an example of that – a full-time Under-21 programme versus how we came together just in time for a tournament.”
As for things that could have been managed better during the tournament in Valencia, Caren said his panel conducted themselves admirably.
“One of our values is professionalism. These guys took care of everything in their control with regards to sleep, hydration, rest, recovery, the technical and tactical sessions prior.
“Everything was covered. Hotel-wise, it had everything we needed. Food-wise was bad but obviously not as bad as the Spanish teams. We can’t look at excuses from that. We will look to ourselves and see what we can do next time around.”
The panel did endure a large number of suspensions over the course of the tournament with 11 different players spending time in the bin including eight yellow cards in five games. Asked whether discipline was an issue, Caren felt that the appointments of umpires left a lot to be desired.
Mark Samuel and Thiago da Sousa battle for possession. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek/World Sport Pics
Indeed, the pivotal moment for him came in the 4-4 draw with Austria when a stroke and a yellow card for Peter McKibbin went against the side.
“When we watch that game back, the amount of cards we were given and that they weren’t given, what are cards are for, it was a disgrace.
“European Hockey will have to look at that because to have the same umpire for three out of five games is a joke, especially when that umpire has cost you a game [against Austria].”
As for whether Ireland should have shut up shop against England, giving themselves a chance to nick sixth place on goal difference in the relegation pool rather than going for broke, he said that would have been contrary to the side’s nature.
“You can play tactically safe like that and try your luck or you can try and play. This group made a decision to be a team known for playing. It’s how we trained. To go against that would have been unnatural. We tried a few things, I tried a few coaching things that went wrong on the day which cost us goals.”
All of which means the Irish Under-21s ropey record in the top tier continues. Every Junior European campaign since 1981 has ended in relegation with this latest drop meaning the 2019 vintage will not be in a position to try and qualify for the 2020 Junior World Cup.
Men’s EuroHockey Junior Championships
Pool C:
Ireland 11 (L Madeley 5, S Wolfe 2, J Mullins, C Empey, G Cole, J Dale)
Portugal 2 (J Basilio, V Ribeiro)
Ireland: J Carr, L Madeley, K O’Hare, M Samuel, S Wolfe, F Morris, R Getty, G Cole, J Dale, P McKibbin, M Crookshanks
Subs: K Marshall, S Grace, D Nelson, J Mullins, C Empey, D Mawhinney, J Milliken
Portugal: R Oliveira, C Almeida, V Mourao, F Vieira, A Caramalho, V Ribeiro, P Wenzel, A Teixeira, T Ventosa, C Magalhaes, D Gamito
Subs: A Ribeiro, J Valinhas, N Wenzel, J Santos, J Basilio, T Hilt, R Teixeira
The Hook
Spanish sickness leaves Irish U-21 women in Euro limbo
Ireland’s women face a nervous wait over their Euro future. Pic: Frank Uijlenbroek/World Sport Pics
The Irish Under-21 women’s fate in the top tier of the EuroHockey Junior Championships – and their subsequent 2020 Junior World Cup hopes – at the next meeting of the EHF Executive Board.
It follows the cancellation of Ireland’s game with Spain on the final day of competition due to widespread illness in the Spanish camp with medical advice stating they should not travel to the pitches in Valencia for fear of further infection.
Five Spanish women’s players had to be taken to hospital with food poisoning with more from their panel also taken ill. It followed their men playing their delayed semi-final short-handed with Ignacio Cobos in hospital on Saturday with eight others in their panel citing ailments.
Three umpires, who were staying in the same hotel, also required time out with a couple going to the hospital.
It means that the women’s competition remains incomplete. The tie was a must-win fixture for Ireland to retain their place in the top tier for 2019 while Spain needed to avoid losing by three goals to retain their place.
The knock-on effect of relegation would mean that either side would not be in a position to qualify for the Junior World Cup with the 2019 Junior Euros acting as the qualification tournament.
In a statement from the European Hockey Federation about the cancellation, they said a final decision will be made at a later date.
“The EHF regrets to announce that, under advice from the Tournament Medical Doctor, the Spanish teams are not allowed to play either of their final games of the EuroHockey Junior Championships.
“After consultation with the Tournament Directors and the EHF Representative, it was agreed that these circumstances are not provided for in the Regulations and therefore EHF Regulations for EuroHockey Championships (Outdoor) Item D6 applies.
“In the Men’s EuroHockey Junior Championship, the 3rd/4th Bronze medal game was not played and Germany is awarded the Bronze medal.
“In the Women’s EuroHockey Junior Championship, Spain will not play their final Pool C v Ireland. Given these unprecedented circumstances, the two TDs and the EHF Representative have agreed to defer any further decisions to the EHF Executive Board.
“We fully understand the importance of these decisions for all teams affected. We wish all players a full recovery.”
The cited Rule D6 says that “if during a tournament circumstances arise which are not provided for in the regulations, they will be determined by the TD after consulting the representative of the EHF”.
In usual circumstances, a team’s refusal to take the field would result in a forfeit of the game in question. However, the Tournament Directors have deemed these “unprecedented circumstances” with neither Spanish side refusing to play but denied their ability to do so on medical advice.
Some have argued on Twitter that a precedent has been set from the men’s tournament by the awarding of the bronze medal to Germany ahead of Spain though no official score has been entered into the official records as of Monday morning.
When it comes to resolving the women’s tournament with relegation on the line, it is a more complex affair. Should the judgement at the EHF Board meeting be that Spain forfeited, they would be relegated.
Otherwise, potential solutions have been mooted of a test match or series between Ireland and Spain to complete the tournament. There are numerous logistical problems with this. Should only the players in Valencia be allowed line out?
If so, is it feasible for, say, Edel Nyland to fly back in from the US where she is on scholarship for one game and miss part of her regular season? A number of Spanish players are also contracted with Belgian clubs.
If players are allowed be brought in in that scenario, it could work in Ireland’s favour with more of their senior panel being Under-21 than Spains with Zoe Wilson, Ayeisha McFerran and Lena Tice eligible. Only Lucia Jimenez was part of their senior set-up this summer.
Alternatively, the simplest edition would be to run a nine-team tournament in 2019 with no relegation from the 2017 competition, adding the two promoted sides to the seven that competed in Valencia.
Whatever happens, it is unsatisfactory finish to the summer for Dave Passmore’s side who managed to raise €70,000 themselves to run a programme that included 17 test matches in preparation.
In the end, they played just three tournament matches across their seven days in Valencia with no sense of closure currently in sight.
The Hook
UK School Games Final Day
The final day of School Games 2017 was not without drama as the Girls competition was decided by goal difference, as England Blue took the gold over England Red, and Ulster who didn’t play, collected bronze. In the boys, the silver and bronze medal positions were decided, in the Boys competition, after England Blue sealed the gold medal position yesterday.
Boys
Ulster 5-5 England Red (12:00)
An incredible match which was instrumental in England Red claiming bronze, by field goals scored! England Red started off with a bang in minute 1 with Sebastian Shaw netting. Ulster then went on a scoring spree and stormed 3-1 ahead with goals from Harry Dow and a brace from Owen McElhinney. The Red’s then equalised with two goals in two minutes Matthew Wilson and Ethan Hopkins. Ulster then nudged back ahead with a penalty stroke on 39 minutes from Fergus Gibson. The Red’s equalised on 46 minutes from Russell Thomas, but Ulster went ahead again on 52 minutes with another from Dow. England Red got their crucial equaliser to clinch bronze on 56 minutes with a goal from Jack Stubbings.
Scotland 5-0 England White (12:00)
Scotland was hunting for the bronze medal, but they fell just short, on field goals! Five goals in a swashbuckling performance saw them come within whiskers of claiming a medal position. Goals were scored by Ewen Mackie, Struan Walker, Andrew McConnell, with Jamie Golden netting a brace.
Final standings
Pos, Team, P, W, D, L, GD, Pts
1, England Blue, 4, 3, 1, 0, 9, 10
2, Ulster, 4, 2, 1, 1, 4, 7
3, England Red*, 4, 1, 2, 1, 3, 5
4, Scotland, 4, 1, 2, 1, 3, 5
5, England White, 4, 0, 0, 4, -19, 0
*win on field goals.
Girls
England Blue 5-0 England White (10:00)
England Blue knew they needed to win and keep their superior goal difference of England Red to take the gold… and that’s exactly what they did. A brace each from Hannah de Selincourt and Caroline Spence and a goal from Mollie D’Arcy Rice secured School Games glory for the Blues.
Scotland 2-4 England Red (10:00)
England Red was still in with a chance of gold, but it was a tall order to overturn England Blue’s superior goal difference. The task got more difficult when Scotland took the lead on 12 minutes through Emma Forrest. However, the Reds didn’t let that setback them get them down and scored four goals in a row, including a hat-trick from Olivia Back and a goal from Maddy Davies. Scotland did add a second with nine minutes to go, from Milly Wood, which meant England Red had to settle for Silver medal – still a fantastic achievement.
Final Standings
Pos, Team, P, W, D, L, GD, Pts
1, England Blue, 4, 3, 0, 1, 10, 9,
2, England Red, 4, 3, 0, 1, 4, 9
3, Ulster, 4, 2, 1, 1, 5, 7
4, England White, 4, 1, 1, 2, -7, 4
5, Scotland, 4, 0, 0, 4, -12, 0
England Hockey Board Media release
Aon new major sponsor of secondary schools
Photo: BWMedia
Hockey New Zealand is pleased to announce Aon New Zealand as the new naming rights sponsor of the 2017 and 2018 Aon National Secondary Schools Tournaments.
With 21 tournaments around the country, over 5,000 players and coaches and a history dating back, in the case of the Rankin Cup for boys over 90 years, secondary schools hockey has a rich heritage.
Traditionally played in September each year, this year’s competition will see over 200 high schools competing at different levels to find the best boys and girls secondary schools teams in the country.
“We’re thrilled to have Aon New Zealand continue their relationship with Hockey New Zealand, dating back to 2015 when they came on board as a Small Sticks partner. Aon have a deep commitment to secondary schools sport in New Zealand and it was an easy decision with them to align their partnership to our secondary schools tournaments,” said Hockey NZ CEO Ian Francis.
“Aon New Zealand has a strong record of supporting young New Zealanders, assisting them to achieve their potential in the sport of their choosing. We are proud to announce the renewal of our partnership with Hockey New Zealand and excited to become the major sponsor of the 2017 Aon National Secondary Schools Tournaments,” commented Geoff Blampied, CEO of Aon New Zealand.
“These tournaments are the pinnacle of secondary school hockey and Aon New Zealand is pleased to be able to continue to assist young New Zealanders realise their sporting aspirations.”
Aon’s support of the Aon National Secondary Schools Hockey Tournaments extends to the naming rights of the top four events being the Aon Rankin Cup and Aon India Shield for boys held in Hamilton and the Aon Federation Cup and Aon Marie Fry for girls held in the Hawke’s Bay.
Aon is the largest provider of insurance broking, risk management and human resource consulting services both in New Zealand and globally.
In New Zealand, there are over 800 staff in 76 offices located around the country, with over 50,000 staff in 120 countries globally. For more on Aon refer to www.aon.co.nz
CLICK HERE for more on the 2017 Aon Secondary Schools Tournaments
Coverage of Aon Secondary Schools expanded
Photo: BWMedia
Teams from Kaitaia to Gore are battling it out across the country this week at Hockey New Zealand Aon Secondary School Tournaments.
We have you covered for results, standings and stats from all 21 Aon Secondary School tournaments, simply click the link below and select your tournament.
CLICK HERE to follow results, standings and stats from each tournament
In an exciting development, Hockey New Zealand has confirmed expanded live coverage of finals day (9th September) at the Boys’ Aon Rankin Cup/India Shield and Girls’ Aon Federation Cup/Marie Fry Trophy.
In total eight games will be streamed live on the Hockey New Zealand Facebook page (www.facebook.com/hockeynz) and will be available to replay on demand afterwards.
Everyone who likes the Hockey New Zealand Facebook page will be notified through the mobile app or website as soon as the broadcast goes live.
CLICK HERE to like Hockey New Zealand on Facebook now!
Aon Secondary Schools Live on Facebook
Saturday 9th September
Boys Aon Secondary Schools Tournament, Hamilton
8:15am - Aon India Shield Bronze Medal
10:00am - Aon India Shield Gold Medal
11:45am - Aon Rankin Cup Bronze Medal
1:30pm - Aon Rankin Cup Gold Medal
Girls Aon Secondary Schools Tournament, Hawke’s Bay
8:15am - Aon Marie Fry Trophy Bronze Medal
10:00am - Aon Marie Fry Trophy Gold Medal
11:45am - Aon Federation Cup Bronze Medal
1:30pm - Aon Federation Cup Gold Medal
Hockey New Zealand Media release
No. 4 UConn's 206-minute shutout streak ends in 2-1 victory vs. No. 11 Michigan
UConn Athletics
Senior Casey Umstead scored both goals for UConn on Sunday afternoon.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Senior back Casey Umstead notched two goals to lift the No. 4 UConn field hockey team to a 2-1 victory at No. 11 Michigan on Sunday afternoon. With the win, the Huskies improved to 3-0 while the Wolverines (3-1) suffered their first loss of the season.
Umstead broke open the scoring midway through the second half on a penalty corner in the 55th minute. With an assist from freshman back Margot van Hecking Colenbrander, the Huskies took a 1-0 lead on Umstead's third goal of the year.
Nearly three minutes later, the senior found the back of the cage for the second time. After a miscue by a Michigan defender provoked a whistle by the official, Umstead went to the penalty stroke line and scored in the 58th minute. The senior now leads the Huskies with four goals and nine points so far this season.
Michigan cut the deficit to one with under four minutes to go in regulation thanks to Meg Dowthwaite. On the Wolverines' first penalty corner of the contest, Dowthwait took a shot that deflected off an UConn defender and into the back of the net to cut their deficit to 2-1.
Michigan then earned a penalty corner as time was dwindling down, creating their best scoring opportunity and a chance to tie the game. The Wolverines got off a shot but UConn senior Nina Klein came up big with a save in the final 30 seconds of the game.
Klein posted five saves, while Michigan counterpart Sam Swenson picked up two.
The Huskies had 11 penalty corners to the Wolverines' two, while UConn outshot Michigan 8-7.
UConn saw its 206 shutout-minute streak come to an end on Dowthwait's goal for Michigan. The Huskies are now outscoring opponents 11-1 through three games in 2017.
UConn is back in action at home on Friday, Sept. 8 against west coast rival Pacific. The game is slated to begin at 6 p.m. ET.
NCAA
Maryland field hockey is swept at the Big Ten/ACC Cup after losing to Boston College
By Scott Gelman
Maryland field hockey head coach Missy Meharg said the Terps have a specific understanding of how to approach the arcs on each side of the field.
"The arc around our circle is like a turtle shell, and the one on the front is a turtle shell," Meharg said. "Up there, we're going to collectively break that thing down. Down here, we're not going to let the ball through the shell."
The problem is three games into the season, Maryland hasn't had much success accomplishing either, most notably struggling to execute its attack plans.
After a 2-1 loss to No. 12 Boston College in the ACC/Big Ten Cup on Sunday, the No. 6 Terps matched a similar stretch from last season, when they fell to Syracuse and Duke consecutively. They secured the Big Ten regular season title but failed to reach the final four.
Now without its two top goal scorers from that squad, Meharg's team has struggled to generate offense, with the exception of executing on penalty corners. Maryland's lone goal against the Eagles came off of such an attempt, with defender Bodil Keus connecting for her second score this season.
The Terps couldn't capitalize on a second half during which they had six penalty corner opportunities.
"We dominated the second half," Meharg said. "We're rotating six and seven first-year players. For us, it's about getting these touches and these minutes and these halves."
Two days after being shut out by No. 2 Duke, the No. 6 Terps were aggressive and moved the ball into the circle. Against Boston College, freshman midfielder Brooke DeBerdine led that effort. But on multiple occasions, Maryland was unable to capitalize.
The Eagles outshot the Terps, 13-9, despite Maryland coming out of the second half more aggressive. Meharg's squad took three shots over a three-minute period just minutes into the second.
Those missed opportunities proved to be the difference against the Eagles, who scored what would become the game-winner on midfielder Fusine Govaert's strike with 27 minutes remaining. Despite allowing the Terps to score, the Eagles' defense maintained its lead.
"It's always a good opportunity for us to play the highest level of field hockey," midfielder Lein Holsboer said. "We're definitely growing as a team."
Maryland's defense was effective after Boston College got on the board first, when forward Caroline McGovern took control of a loose ball and deposited it into the net with about 26 minutes remaining in the first half.
But Maryland came out slow on the attack for the second time in as many games and struggled to generate offense in the game's opening minutes.
The Terps didn't get a shot off until Olivia Reiter's attempt was saved with about eight minutes remaining in the first.
After the Blue Devils handed the Terps their first loss this weekend, Meharg praised the team's second-half approach. Maryland's adjustments again seemed valuable Sunday, but the Terps were unable to tie the game.
"These top 10, top 15 teams on the schedule early," Meharg said, "are a real positive for this developing team."
The Diamondback
Wake Forest field hockey team loses 6-0
The Wake Forest field hockey team was upended at No. 7 Penn State on Sunday afternoon, losing 6-0.
Penn State (4-0) dominated the shot count and pulled away from the Deacons (1-3) in the second half.
The Nittany Lions outshot the Deacons, 21-13, for the game and held a 9-2 advantage in penalty corners.
Overall, Penn State held a 13-1 shot advantage over Wake Forest in the first half.
Wake Forest returns home to Kentner Stadium, as they host No. 1 North Carolina on Friday at 6 p.m.
The Winston-Salem Journal
UMaine field hockey team wins fourth straight game
RICHMOND, Virginia — The University of Maine field hockey team completed a weekend sweep of Richmond with a 4-1 victory over the Spiders on Sunday.
UMaine won its fourth straight match in improving to 4-1 while Richmond is now 0-4.
Emily Hindle’s goal in the second half gave UMaine the lead for good, while Madison Cummings opened the scoring for the Bears in the first half.
Libby Riedl tallied a goal plus an assist while Brianna Ricker added a goal for UMaine. Olivia Hubert scored the only goal for Richmond.
UMaine outshot Richmond 22-8.
Husson 4, Wellesley 2
At Wellesley, Massachusetts, on Saturday, Sadie Royer recorded a hat trick with three goals as the Husson defeated Wellesley.
Arika Brouchu had the other goal for the Eagles, who were playing their season-opener. Alli Bourget added an assist while Anne Marie Provencal recorded 14 saves.
Carson Dennis and Arielle Mitropoulous tallied the goals for 1-1 Wellesley. Janelle Sullivan came up with three saves.
Husson 3, USM 2
At Gorham, Lauren Russell’s two goals helped lead Husson past Southern Maine on Sunday.
Alli Bourget had the other goal for the 2-0 Eagles. Anne Marie Provencal came up with six saves on nine shots.
Kaitlin Hilton and Tayla Smedberg tallied a goal apiece for 0-2 Southern Maine. Anna Huff saved seven of 16 shots.
SUNY-Cortland 5, UMF 2
At Northampton, Massachusetts, on Saturday, Anna Branch’s two goals helped SUNY-Cortland defeat UMaine-Farmington.
Jess Gibaldi, Liz Athing and Hannah Burchell added goals for 1-0 SUNY Cortland.
Kyla Sturtevant and Jenessa Talarico scored for the 0-1 Beavers. Alyssa Arsenault and Haley Frizzle both had three saves.
Bangor Daily News
Field hockey falls to Boston University 2-1
Freshman midfielder Kylee Cunningham attempts to get the ball past an Ohio defender on Aug. 27 at Briner Sports Complex. In the first half, the Cardinals had two assists. Patrick Murphy // DN Patrick Murphy
Ball State field hockey suffered its first defeat of the 2017 season on Saturday afternoon, falling to Boston University 2-1 in Oxford, Ohio.
The Cardinals grabbed the lead after just seven minutes of play when sophomore forward Sierra Jefferson found the goal.
Ball State would keep that lead for nearly 10 minutes until Kara Enoch scored for the Terriers. Boston U's winning goal came from Grace Boston just three minutes before halftime.
Boston peppered the Ball State defense with shots, as they out-shot the Cardinals 17-2 on the game. However, only six of the Terriers shots were on goal. Ball State freshman goalkeeper Grace Chavez added four saves to her career total.
The Cardinals stay in Oxford, Ohio as they play UMass tomorrow at noon.
Ball State Daily
Field hockey loses to UMass-Lowell in overtime
by Jack Williams
Junior midfielder Anya Eicher attempts to hit the ball away against Ohio on Aug. 27 at Briner Sports Complex. Eicher had one goal and an assist in the game. Patrick Murphy // DN Patrick Murphy
After falling to No. 16 Boston University on Saturday, Ball State field hockey looked to split the Miami Invitational against UMass-Lowell, but the Cardinals fell to the River Hawks 2-1 in overtime on Sunday afternoon.
Ball State was outshot for the second-straight game, as UMass-Lowell tallied 15 shots to the Cardinals’ 8. Freshman goalkeeper Grace Chavez made six saves for Ball State in the loss. BSU managed just 3 shots on goal.
“We were on the back foot the entire game yesterday and we were so defensive minded,” Head coach Christy Longacre said. “Last night we talked about being on the front foot of the game, attacking them and getting scoring opportunities.”
Both teams earned penalty corners throughout the game, with the first half seeing a combined six corners, but the score was deadlocked at zero.
In the second half, Sophomore Michelle Shampton netted her second goal of the season to give the Cardinals a 1-0 early in the half. Lowell would tie it up later in the half off a penalty corner.
“When the score is tight like this we want to keep possession of the ball and play our game.” Longacre said. “When we’re up with a 1-0 we want to keep the ball outside. There is no reason to push it towards the middle. In doing that we don’t have to worry about them scoring.”
The Cardinals would hold off a final minute Lowell scare to push the game to overtime. In overtime, Lowell would jump on the Cardinals quick scoring 1:19 into overtime to end the game. The Cardinals finished the game with eight shots and four penalty corners.
“Communication from the back and telling the defense where girls should be marking up on has contributed to way I play each game,” Chavez said. “Communication is one of the most important factors on the field. You have to be all in or you’re just going to break down completely.”
The Cardinals walk away from the Miami tournament with a 0-2 record. Ball State will head out east next weekend to take on LaSalle and Lehigh. According to Longacre, a key factor in finding success next weekend is the team’s readiness to play.
“We need to show up next weekend,” Longacre said. “Both games this weekend we didn’t show up in the first half and I was a little disappointed on that. We were comfortable and confidant last weekend and this weekend I’m not sure what happened.”
Ball State stays on the road, playing LaSalle and Lehigh next weekend in Pennsylvania.
Ball State Daily
Oltmans’ sacking not a big surprise
Oltmans’ contribution was negligible even as HPD: Ballal
Uthra Ganesan
Ashish Ballal.
The end of Roelant Oltmans’ tenure as chief coach of the Indian men’s hockey team on Saturday is being seen as yet another example of administrative high-handedness but hasn’t surprised many in hockey circles.
Former India goalkeeper Ashish Ballal said he was expecting this.
“I am not surprised by the decision given the poor results in recent past. Also, his contribution on field wasn’t exactly spectacular, even though the team did improve a lot in fitness under him. Even earlier, as the High Performance Director, there was little to see in terms of his contribution at the grassroots,” Ballal told The Hindu.
Former player R.P. Singh, a member of the committee that decided on the dismissal, said, “Full credit to what Oltmans has done with the team in the five years he has been here. But we now have to look beyond experiments and get results. The team is stuck at 6-7 level in the world.
Absence of results
“The inconsistency and absence of results in the last two years has been disappointing. We cannot keep losing to teams like Malaysia and Canada when we are targeting Holland and Germany.”
The absence of some key injured senior players in the past couple of months did not make a difference to the general opinion.
As far as his replacement is concerned, former India junior coach Harendra Singh can think of only two that are available and fit the bill — Dutchman Marc Lammers and the legendary Ric Charlesworth — but both are unlikely to take it up.
Players, though, while unwilling to come on record, feel the team doesn’t need reputations. “Worldwide, most teams today have young coaches. A lot of them aren’t very well-known. Argentina’s Carlos Retegui or Germany’s Valentine Altenburg weren’t big names when they took charge. We need someone who has the hunger to prove himself. Names don’t matter,” is the common refrain.
New coach soon
The current HPD David John is keen on having a full-time coach before the Hockey World League Finals in December but knows it won’t be easy.
“The search will possibly start next week and we are keeping all options open. Indian or foreign, we want the best coach rather than the first one available. It takes time, with the women’s coach it took three months to complete the process,” he clarified.
Jagbir Singh, one of the few Indian names with an understanding of modern hockey, felt results matter. “Every match matters. It is important to analyse performance and take remedial measures in time. What signal does it give if a team loses against lower-ranked side with its best players?
“Conversely, a win against a better side with youngsters would be a major boost for their confidence. If a major decision was to be taken, this was the right time; after the Asia Cup would have been too late,” he said.
Don’t repeat mistake
V. Baskaran, India’s development side coach, said: “He has done well in certain areas like defending but somewhere he lost grip. He wasn’t able to convince some senior players how to go about it. I think it happened at the Rio Olympics itself — when he tried to play Sardar (Singh) on the forward line. That was a big question mark and turning point.
“It is a good move but they should not make the same mistake that they’ve done for the last four years with different foreign coaches.
“Our main focus is the upcoming World Cup in 2018. We can cope with the change in a year. We may face some changes here and there, but it can be done.”
(With inputs from K. Keerthivasan)
The Hindu
Roelant Oltmans sacked: Interim coach David John admits to having selection differences with Dutchman
File image of Roelant Oltmans. AFP
Bengaluru: Interim national hockey coach David John admitted that he had "differences over selection process" with the ousted Roelant Oltmans but also clarified that it was not the only reason.
"I did not have any differences with Oltmans's style of coaching. We had difference of opinion on selection matters. I felt some of the younger players needed to gain international exposure. I don't believe players sitting in the camp for two years with no international exposure. Their skills need to be upscaled," John told PTI during an interaction.
John, who was appointed high performance director, took charge of the men's team as interim coach after Hockey India on Saturday sacked Oltmans despite a largely successful four- and-half-years stint in India.
The decision was taken after a three-day meeting of the Hockey India high performance and development committee, which concluded on Saturday.
Asked whether selection differences was the melting point for Oltmans' ouster, John said in the negative by saying it was not his decision, but an unanimous decision taken by the committee.
"That (my differences with Oltmans) wasn't certainly the case (for Team India coach's sacking). There was presentations by team and also Oltmans. Thereafter, the committee made an unanimous decision to look for a coach," he said.
John also made it clear that he will like to get some of the senior players out of their comfort zones.
"I want to work with players who have been there for the last four years. They have lot of talent, but they have not been consistent enough. May be replacing those players with younger players or may be taking them out of comfort zone and making them accountable for their performances to ensure none takes their places for granted. I want healthy competition within the team to earn their selection," John said.
Replying to a query, John informed that the search for new coach will begin next week. John will be in-charge of the team till a suitable replacement is found for a smooth transition.
Firstpost
Finding new coach will be a challenge: David John
Manuja Veerappa
BENGALURU: The four-and-half years Roelant Oltmans spent in Indian hockey is probably the longest by a foreigner in the set-up, although he was seen in two roles - high performance director and chief coach - during the period.
Trouble, according to people in the know, has been brewing for a while now with some players expressing their displeasure with his style of functioning. Also, many within the Hockey India set-up felt the team management trusted his judgement in team selections and gave him a free hand, a move which they believe has backfired.
When they wanted to bring about a change, infusing young blood into the team for the recent European tour, the Dutchman resisted. Hockey India went ahead and named six juniors in the squad and the youngsters went on to notch up some impressive wins against the Netherlands and Austria.
"For the first time during his tenure, he wasn't given a team of his choice because we at Hockey India felt with the World Cup, Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games lined up, it was important to give exposure to junior players. But he wasn't open to the idea during the European tour. He made his displeasure known when he didn't sign on the team list when it was picked," pointed out a source.
While Oltmans' exit isn't surprising, the timing of his sacking is rather debatable. In less than six weeks, India play the Asia Cup and in all probability, they will be without a chief coach, although HI's high performance director David John has been put in charge of the senior camp. But John, an exercise physiologist, can't take over the reins from Oltmans as that is not his area of expertise. India also play the Hockey World League Final at home later this year and the big question is, will Hockey India quickly find the most suitable man for the job?
Speaking about the turn of events, John said, "The committee unanimously decided that the results were not showing. We have the ability and talent to be among the top teams but have lost to teams like Canada and Malaysia in recent times. That's why the call (on Oltmans) was taken."
With the Olympic cycle for the 2020 Games having begun a year-and-half ago, John admitted finding a replacement will be a challenging task. "Since the four-year Olympic cycle has begun it would be difficult to rope in the best, but that is not to say we cannot. Next we will start the process of identifying a coach who has the capability of bringing out the best in the team over the next two years."
As an immediate measure, the Australian said the seniors will be asked to step up and assume more responsibility. He also said other coaches within the system like junior national coach Jude Felix will be asked to assist the current senior staff which include former internationals Arjun Halappa and Jugraj Singh.
"We have a good mix of talent and experience in our set-up. We will make the best use of the experience of the seasoned players many of whom have more than 150 international caps," John added.
The Times of India
Oltmans sacking done without vision: Viren Rasquinha
Sudheendra Tripathi
MUMBAI: Roelant Oltmans became the 23rd coach to get the boot in the last two decades in the revolving door that is Indian hockey. After being asked to leave, all that the legendary coach said was that: "They - Hockey India (HI) - can sack anyone at anytime." Well the story of Indian hockey has been like this - full of surprises.
Indian Hockey Federation, headed by the late KPS Gill functioned in an autocratic and whimsical manner and it seems to be no different under Hockey India.
Former India captain, Viren Rasquinha was lost for words when asked about his reaction to the most high-profile sacking in recent times.
"The move defies logic. When he was offered a contract extension until 2020 Tokyo Games, he should have been given the opportunity to honour his contract. We are talking about Roelant Otlmans here. He has enjoyed a lot of success around the world and has an impeccable track record as coach. Also, I feel the move to sack Oltmans is done without any vision," Rasquinha said.
Coaches have always been made accountable for India's performance at the highest level and seldom has a player got the axe.
Where is the problem then?
Rasquinha explained: "Actually, consistency is one big factor. They will dish out an extraordinary brand of hockey one day and then they will lose to sides like Canada or Malaysia the other. To be successful, one has to maintain the same intensity day in and day out. Once we do that, we will be a force to reckon with in world hockey."
About player accountability he said: "We have to keep one thing in mind. The defeats against Malaysia and Canada are worrying, but the fact is that several senior regular team members were not playing in those matches. It was a very junior and inexperienced side. But there are no excuses for defeats. The players in the core group are very good. They have the ability to compete with the best. The Indian team is almost at par with good teams like Australia, Holland and Germany. Take the example of Argentina. Who would have thought they would go on to win the hockey gold in Rio? So yeah, things keep happening in the sport of hockey. And I, for one, can confidently vouch that India are serious medal contenders."
With so much shuffling going on and so much uncertainty what does the future hold for Indian hockey? "As players, one has to be very professional. Whether the team is a headless chicken or the boys are training under an experienced coach. One has to be absolutely professional. As far as the juniors are concerned, surely they will take some time to adapt. More than anything else, the younger, inexperienced bunch will find themselves totally confused. I remember when I broke into the senior fold after winning the junior World Cup, we also struggled to settle down to the rigours of international hockey. It takes time and these youngsters are no different. But then you can't stop grooming youngsters, isn't it? You have to look ahead," he concluded.
Time HI pay heed.
The Times of India