Hockey: Dowe to lead junior women at World Cup

Auckland's Maddison Dowe in action. Photosport

Auckland defender Maddison Dowe will lead New Zealand's under 21 hockey team to the junior World Cup in Chile, starting on November 24.

Dowe, 20, has played four internationals for the Black Sticks and is one of four players who are in the New Zealand Development Squad, along with Southern midfielder Tessa Jopp, Canterbury attacker Phoebe Steele and Stephanie Dickins, a North Harbour defender.

New Zealand will play Belgium, China and Spain in pool play.

"It's a brilliant opportunity for these girls to stand up on the world stage," head coach Sean Dancer said.

"They have had development opportunities around the Black Sticks environment so are well prepared. We are targeting a top eight finish which will certainly be a challenge against the best in the world but one we are definitely up for."

New Zealand squad:
Maddison Dowe (c), Deanna Ritchie, Tyler Lench (Auckland), Stephanie Dickins, Hattie Jones, Kayla Reed, Brooke Roberts (North Harbour), Tarryn Davey, Frances Davies, Megan Hull, Alia Jaques, Amy Robinson (Midlands), Phoebe Steele, Catherine Tinning, Emily Wium, Kirsten Nation (Canterbury), Maddi McLean, Tessa Jopp (Southern).