The 3rd Women Pan American Cup kicked off Saturday February 7th 2009 in Hamilton, Bermuda at the Bermuda National Sports Centre, located in Devonshire, one of nine parishes in Great Britain's oldest colony. The tournament features Argentina, Bermuda, Canada, Chile, Jamaica, Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago and USA. The winner of the tournament qualifies automatically for the 2010 World Cup tournament in Rosario, Argentina.
Defending Champion Argentina introduce seven players with no international caps, while the USA field an experience team with over 1,174 cumulative international caps. Chile's hockey program is coming of a high after their U21 women team defeated Argentina in the 2008 Junior Pan American tournament. Canada has been consistent by placing in the top three for the last two Pan American Cup, while Trinidad &Tobago has confirmed their dominance in Caribbean hockey by winning the 2007 Caribbean Cup. Mexico field the youngest team (average age 22), whereas the host, Bermuda, field the oldest team (average age 27). Bermuda has a mix of youth and experience with the youngest (age 15) and oldest (age 48) player of the tournament.
USA - Jamaica : 10 - 0
The USA started their bid to qualify for the 2010 World Cup with an 10-0 win over Jamaica. After a tentative 10 minutes of play the Olympians, converted a penalty corner to take a 1-0 lead. They continued to move the ball using the width and depth of the pitch to create several opportunities converting at 18th, 25th, 26th and 34th minute in the first half for a 5-0 lead. The ÔÇ£Lady Humming BirdsÔÇØ kept solid on defense and denied the USA on many occasions. But, central defenders Rachel Dawson and Keli Smith played a pivotal role in moving the ball and controlling the pace of the game for a final score of 10-0.
Chile - Mexico : 6 - 1
Chile took three points in a challenging game against Mexico. The youthful Mexicans with impressive midfielder Mitzy Mara Aguilera Zuleta #8 played competitively, but the more experienced Chileans showed that they were on a mission. Skillful stick work from Denise Infante #7 broke the deadlock in the 19th minute followed by another goal in the 21st minute from Javiera Villagra. At the half Chile lead 4-0. In the second half, the game continued with repeated attacks from both teams, with Chile scoring a field goal in 68th minute and a penalty stroke in the 69th. Mexico were not to be denied when the captain, Eliana Guadalupe Cota Felipe, converted a 70th minute penalty corner for a 6-1 final score.
Argentina - Trinidad & Tobago : 7 - 1
Argentina began their quest to retain Pan-American hockey supremacy with a 7-1 victory over Trinidad & Tobago. The Argentines use of the width of the pitch as well as quick and deceptive passes ensured that Trinidad & Tobago had no chance of winning. Two deflected field goals in the 6th and 29th minute and two well executed penalty corners by Noel Barrionuevo in the 14th and 24th minute of the game registered four first half goals for Argentina. Trinidad & Tobago converted a penalty corner with a rocket from Blair Wynne but trailed 4-1 at half time. The second half offered the same type of game as Argentina had the better of the chances and reaped reward with two goals from new comer, Daniela Sruoga in the 49th and 70th minute and a clinical penalty corner in the 68th minute that gave Noel Barrionuevo her hat trick and Argentina the win with a final score 7-1
Canada - Bermuda : 10 - 0
Host country, Bermuda, put on a spirited performance in front of their exciting never ceasing supporters. But, Canada walked away with the easy win 10-0.
Canada netted eight field goals solidifying their dominance in the run of play. Stephanie Nesbitt lead her team with a hat-trick, while Katie Rushton, Diana Roemer, Callie O'Hara, Jesslyn Walkey, Stephanie Jameson, Tiffany Michaluk and Thea Culley all contributed a goal each to secure the victory and a chance to qualify for the 2010 World Cup.
For more information, results, reports and pictures, check the Pan American Hockey Federation website by clicking here.
