North Harbour defender Lizzy Igasan has been named as the new Black Sticks Women's captain. Igasan's appointment has been announced on the eve of the team's departure for Hong Kong for a three match build up series to next month's Oceania Olympic Qualifier.
The Black Sticks leave for Hong Kong Tuesday 21 August. The side will play Korea on 28 August, China on 29 August and India on 31 August.
The Oceania Cup will be played at Buderim on the Sunshine Coast, Australia, from 11-16 September.
Black Sticks Coach Kevin Towns said the appointment recognizes Igasan's on-field record. ÔÇ£She is clearly a very world class player and has shown in the past that she has the ability to lead during critical moments in the game. The need for on-field leadership is an important component in any team.ÔÇØ
As well as captaining the side during this Hong Kong campaign, Igasan, 24, will also reach a historic milestone at the Oceania Cup. Currently on 97 caps, she is expected to play her 100th game for New Zealand in Buderim.
The Oceania Cup, which is the region's Continental Qualifying Tournament for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, will be contested by four sides, Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Fiji. The top placed two Women's teams will qualify for Beijing.
Source: Hockey New Zealand
