TT women beaten again at Pan Am hockey

BRIDGETOWN: Regional hockey teams Trinidad and Tobago and hosts Barbados both lost their encounters in the Women’s Pan American Hockey championships at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex in Wildey on Thursday. In the first match of the day, Uruguay defeated Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 in a dull encounter, while Barbados slumped to a heavy defeat to the United States. Though Trinidad and Tobago pressed Uruguay hard in the opening exchanges and produced the best scoring chances, the South Americans opened the score in the 21st minute, through Virginia Casabo, who connected a right cross from Lorena Margni.

Trinidad and Tobago reacted with some strong counter attacking plays, which had Uruguay retreating, but the Uruguayans held on until half time. On resumption Trinidad and Tobago pressed hard for the equaliser but they were inaccurate in attack, while the Pan American bronze medallist struggled in their own attempts to add to their lead. TT manager Annette Waldron-Joseph said the team lifted their performance significantly after their heavy 9-0 opening game loss to the USA.  “This was a much improved match overall by all the players, (but) it was a tough loss,” she said. In the second match of the day hosts Barbados were totally outplayed by the USA, who won 7-1 and shot to the top of Group “B” on goal difference over Uruguay.

The United States made light work of the Bajan lasses, with their goals scored in the ninth and 30th minute by Tracey Fauchs, Kristen McCann in the fourth, Angela Loy in the seventh; Kate Barber in the 14th, Tamika Smith in the 25th and Keli Smith in the 43rd. Barbados improved their tactics at half time to be more competitive, and this paid off in the 57th minute when Tricia Ann Greaves converted a short corner. In the day’s other matches, Canada beat the Netherlands Antilles 8-0, and in the clash of the evening, defending champions Argentina trounced neighbours Chile 11-0.  Yesterday was a rest day for the tournament with action resuming today with the last group encounters. Barbados will face regional neighbours Trinidad and Tobago in the bottom of the table clash in Group “B”, in which the USA play Uruguay for group honours.  In Group “A”, the Netherlands Antilles meet defending champions and leaders Argentina, and Canada will face Chile.