Buoyed by their last gasp win over host Peru via a Brianna Govia field goal, T&T senior women’s hockey team will go after their second straight win when they come up against Paraguay at the 2021 Pan American Challenge Cup at the Villa Maria del Triunfo Pan American Complex, Lima from noon on Tuesday.
In Sunday’s other match, the 60th ranked Paraguay battled past 37th ranked Brazil 2-1 and will also go into the clash with the 57th ranked 'Calypso Stickwomen' on a high.
Speaking after the win over the 35th rated Peruvians, T&T coach Anthony Marcano said he was pleased to get all three points especially with his players being a bit nervous ahead of the match.
He said, “I think the opening game was a bit nervous for the group since it has been about three years since we were able to play on a water base surface and high-level competition.”
Reflecting on the match, Marcano, a former national player himself praised his team’s defensive effort.
He added, “ I think our defence was not bad but we have to reduce the unnecessary mistakes if we are to win games.”
Marcano in summing up the first match for his players saluted the overall effort of the team for the win saying, “I believe the women’s determination during the game brought the goal with nine seconds left on the clock.
“The three points puts us in a good start position with Paraguay and ahead of our match, we have some meetings carded to discuss our tactics for that match where we plan to develop a strategy and approach for the game.
Following today’s match, T&T will conclude round-robin play on Wednesday versus Brazil from 12 noon as well.
At the end of the round-robin phase of the competition, the top team will meet the fourth-placed team in one semifinal, while the second and third-placed teams meet in the other semifinals from which the winners will contest the tournament final as well as qualify for next year’s Women's Pan Am Cup from January 20- 30 which will serve as a World Cup qualifier.
The Pan Am Cup also serves as a qualifier to the Pan American Games.
Today's Matches
T&T vs Paraguay, 12 noon
Brazil vs Peru 2 pm
Tomorrow's Matches
T&T vs Brazil, 12 noon
Peru vs Paraguay, 2 pm