Vantage Black Sticks primed for Cromwell

The Vantage Black Sticks Women are set to kick-start their road to the Hockey World Cup with a strong team named to compete at the Pioneer Energy Womens Tri Nations in Cromwell.

The series sees New Zealand (world ranking 4th), take on trans-Tasman rivals Australia (5th) and Japan (12th) over nine days of exciting international hockey from 19-27 May.

Teams will play each other twice during a round robin phase, with the top seed automatically progressing to the final where they will meet the winner of a 2nd vs 3rd playoff.

Cromwell will play a superb host to the series, following the recent upgrade to the Pioneer Energy Turf which has enabled games to be played at international standard.

There are five changes to the side which recently won New Zealands first ever Commonwealth Games gold medal on the Gold Coast.

Stacey Michelsen, Sam Charlton, Liz Thompson and Amy Robinson have not been included in the series due to injury and family commitments while Pippa Hayward has retired.

Auckland midfielder Lulu Tuilotolava (21) will make her international debut in Cromwell while strikers Kirsten Pearce and Michaela Curtis, along with defenders Steph Dickins and Kim Tanner return to the side.

Vantage Black Sticks Womens assistant coach Sean Dancer will take on head coaching duties for the series and is excited about the challenge.

"Were looking forward to getting into action in Cromwell, we have a few injuries to senior players so its a chance for some others to push for World Cup positions," Dancer said.

"Lulu has been training extremely well and we look forward to her making her international debut, its a special moment for her and one she thoroughly deserves.

"Australia and Japan will be tough opponents and we are welcoming the challenge of playing them again. This tournament presents a good preparation series on the way to the World Cup.

"Its another great opportunity to bring top class hockey to one of the smaller regions in New Zealand and we really appreciate and enjoy the support we get."

New Zealand open their series at 4:30pm this Saturday against Japan before a Commonwealth Games gold medal game rematch against Australia on Sunday at 2:30pm.

The Pioneer Energy Womens Tri Nations serves as build up for the FIH Hockey Womens World Cup which will be held in London from July 21st - 5th August.

Passes for most days are already sold out, but there are still tickets available to mid-week games and the Gold Medal Celebration event on Sunday 20th May through www.dashtickets.co.nz

TAB proudly supports Hockey New Zealand and are running a special promotion during the series. Simply join the TAB, enter promo code HOCKEY, deposit $20, you'll get a $20 bonus and they'll also give $20 to Hockey New Zealand to help grow this great game.

VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN

Pioneer Energy Tri Nations - Womens International Hockey

19 - 27 May, Cromwell

SHIRT # / PLAYER NAME / REGION / POSITION / AGE / CAPS

14 / Michaela CURTIS / Central / Striker / 24 / 51

1 / Tarryn DAVEY / Midlands / Defender/Mid / 22 / 25

5 / Frances DAVIES / Midlands / Defender / 21 / 45

17 / Steph DICKINS / North Harbour / Defender / 23 / 10

10 / Madison DOAR / Auckland / Striker / 18 / 17

28 / Shiloh GLOYN / Midlands / Midfielder / 28 / 62

12 / Ella GUNSON (c) / Northland / Defender / 28 / 185

2 / Sam HARRISON / Auckland / Striker / 26 / 143

24 / Rose KEDDELL / Midlands / Defender / 24 / 170

32 / Anita McLAREN / Capital / Midfielder / 30 / 258

4 / Olivia MERRY / Canterbury / Striker / 25 / 192

9 / Brooke NEAL / Northland / Defender / 25 / 141

15 / Grace OHANLON / Auckland / Goalkeeper / 25 / 31

18 / Kirsten PEARCE / North Harbour / Striker / 26 / 97

8 / Sally RUTHERFORD / Midlands / Goalkeeper / 36 / 161

25 / Kelsey SMITH / Capital / Striker / 23 / 75

22 / Kim TANNER / Midlands / Defender / 25 / 28

TBC / Lulu TUILOTOLAVA / Auckland / Midfielder / 21 / -



- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Hockey NZ