MEDIA RELEASE BLACK STICKS WOMEN TAKE ON ARGENTINA Thursday, 18 March 2010 A youthful Black Sticks Women’s team is set to face the experienced Argentinean team later this month. Ranked as the number two team in the world, the Argentinean women’s team – aptly named Las Leonas (The Lionesses) – will bring its fast, attacking style to New Zealand for a three test series against New Zealand. The three test series is being played in Hamilton (March 31) and Tauranga (April 2 and 3). Black Sticks Women’s Coach, Mark Hager, says the opportunity to play against such a high calibre team is crucial for the women’s build up this year. “With the women’s World Cup, Champions Trophy and Commonwealth Games all in the latter part of this year, this series will give the team another chance to put their skills to the test on the international stage.” Hager has picked a young team of 20 players from his squad. The more experienced Black Sticks players such as Kayla Sharland, Emily Naylor and Krystal Forgesson are currently overseas, along with Katie Glynn, and were not available for this series. “Our focus is on the long game. The team has a huge year of hockey in front of them, and every game which builds our international exposure helps towards this.” For further information please contact: Val Hayes Acting Communications Manager Hockey New Zealand +64 27 291 2873 Team lists for Hamilton and Tauranga games respectively, on following pages. Black Sticks Women’s Team v Argentina Game 1 Hamilton 7.30pm, Wednesday, 31 March Shirt # Player Position Age Caps NHL Team 4 Kate Saunders Defender 27 69 Canterbury 7 Piki Hamahona Striker 27 25 Central 8 Sally Rutherford Goalkeeper 28 3 Midlands 12 Ella Gunson Midfielder 21 15 Northland 15 Beth Jurgeleit Goalkeeper 29 81 Wellington 16 Clarissa Eshuis Defender 23 44 Midlands 17 Lucy Talbot Defender 20 10 Auckland 20 Sam Harrison Striker 18 9 Auckland 21 Cathryn Finlayson Striker 21 3 Midlands 22 Gemma Flynn Midfielder 19 38 Midlands 23 Anna Thorpe Midfielder 25 14 Northland 24 Laura Douglas Defender 27 11 Northland 25 Kate Mahon Defender 26 53 Midlands 26 Natasha Fitzsimons Defender 21 2 North Harbour 29 Jasmin McQuinn Defender 20 9 North Harbour 31 Stacey Michelsen Midfielder 19 15 North Harbour 32 Anita Punt Striker/Midfielder 22 10 Wellington Team Management Coach Mark Hager Assistant Coach Chris Leslie Assistant Coach Bryce Collins Manager Sarah Leberman Physiotherapist Fiona O’Connor Video Operator Ian Hicks Average Age Average Caps 23 24 Black Sticks Women’s Team Game 2 and 3 v Argentina, Tauranga 2.00pm, Good Friday, April 2 1.00pm, Saturday, April 3 Shirt # Player Position Age Caps NHL Team 4 Kate Saunders Defender 27 69 Canterbury 7 Piki Hamahona Striker 27 25 Central 12 Ella Gunson Midfielder 21 15 Northland 15 Beth Jurgeleit Goalkeeper 29 81 Wellington 16 Clarissa Eshuis Defender 23 44 Midlands 17 Lucy Talbot Defender 20 10 Auckland 19 Stacey Brannigan Defender 24 11 Auckland 20 Sam Harrison Striker 18 9 Auckland 21 Cathryn Finlayson Striker 21 3 Midlands 22 Gemma Flynn Midfielder 19 38 Midlands 23 Anna Thorpe Midfielder 25 14 Northland 24 Laura Douglas Defender 27 11 Northland 25 Kate Mahon Defender 26 53 Midlands 26 Natasha Fitzsimons Defender 21 2 North Harbour 28 Charlotte Harrison Striker 20 70 Northland 30 Bianca Russell Goalkeeper 31 13 North Harbour 31 Stacey Michelsen Midfielder 19 15 North Harbour 32 Anita Punt Striker/Midfielder 22 10 Wellington Team Management Coach Mark Hager Assistant Coach Chris Leslie Assistant Coach Bryce Collins Manager Sarah Leberman Physiotherapist Mary Dunning Video Operator Ian Hicks Average Age Average Caps 23 27 .