A youthful Black Sticks Women’s team is set to face the experienced Argentinean team later this month.
Ranked as the number two team in the world, the Argentinean women’s team – aptly named Las Leonas (The Lionesses) – will bring its fast, attacking style to New Zealand for a three test series against New Zealand. The three test series is being played in Hamilton (March 31) and Tauranga (April 2 and 3).
Black Sticks Women’s Coach, Mark Hager, says the opportunity to play against such a high calibre team is crucial for the women’s build up this year.
“With the women’s World Cup, Champions Trophy and Commonwealth Games all in the latter part of this year, this series will give the team another chance to put their skills to the test on the international stage.”
Hager has picked a young team of 20 players from his squad. The more experienced Black Sticks players such as Kayla Sharland, Emily Naylor and Krystal Forgesson are currently overseas, along with Katie Glynn, and were not available for this series.
“Our focus is on the long game. The team has a huge year of hockey in front of them, and every game which builds our international exposure helps towards this.”
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