BACK IN BLACK: Rose Keddell is one of the more experienced players named in the Black Sticks squad to play USA. PHOTO/File
BACK IN BLACK: Rose Keddell is one of the more experienced players named in the Black Sticks squad to play USA. PHOTO/File
Vantage Black Sticks Women's head coach Mark Hager has named two teams for this month's series against USA and the Vantage Festival of Hockey.
A group of 17 including Tauranga's Rose Keddell and Amy Robinson will travel to Rangiora for games against USA on March 25 and 26, before NatashaFitzsimons and Rachel McCann join a full team of 18 for the festival in Hastings from March 31-April 9.
Both teams are highlighted by plenty of young talent and led by a core of experience in the likes of Stacey Michelsen (221 tests), Olivia Merry (148), Keddell (144) and Liz Thompson (130).
It will be an exciting return for Midlands defender/midfielder Shiloh Gloyn, who sees her first international action since suffering a torn ACL last year.
Coach Hager said it's a timely follow on for the squad after some lessons taken from the recent series against Argentina in Buenos Aires.
"We're still broadening our squad as we track towards some important selections for the FIH World League semifinal in June, which is crucial as it doubles as a chance to qualify for the 2018 World Cup," Hager said.
"We need to start converting our opportunities which was highlighted from the recent Argentina series as a priority work on, so we have made some changes to our forward line and playing structures in an effort to complete the good work we have been doing in the attacking third of the field.
"Both series are great opportunities to identify players that will provide us with the best combinations as we move forward over the next few months."
