Hockey girls prepare to tackle rivals Cuba
THE Jamaica Hockey Federation has announced an 18-member squad, including two new caps, to tackle Cuba’s women’s team in a three-match series beginning next week for the final spot in the 2011 Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Dadreann Clarke has been retained as captain and Shareeka Elliott the vice-captain, with both also being appointed to the positions at the recent Central American and Caribbean (CAC) Games.
Other members of the Jamaican women’s team, dubbed the Lady Hummingbirds, are Shakeela Elliott, Chantal Russell, Sauwana Gordon, Sharee Russell, Shackera Williams, Lori Ann McIntosh (goalkeeper), Kamiesha Erskine, Shana-Kay Tullonge, Demi Nicholson, Chakira Airey, Tashana Edwards, Racene Johnson, Trudy Ann Knight and Kamille Griffiths.
Ebony McLean and Chantel Graham (goalkeeper) are new caps.
Technical director Dr Michelle Holt said: “We have no idea of the quality of the Cuban team in terms of execution of technique or tactics, so we have had to prepare for any eventuality.
“We expect them to be physically well-prepared, fast and strong, so we’ve been working on linear and lateral speed and testing the girls against the fast, skillful national men players.
“We are practising both defence and counter-attack as well as positional attack game and we have been working on goalscoring, still a worry!
“Of great importance is the mental strength of the players as they perform for the first in their careers at home,” she explained.
According to Dr Holt, goalkeeper Lori McIntosh is the most experienced player, followed by forward Sharee Russell, midfielders Chantal Russell and the Elliott twins, as well as Shakeera Williams who are all expected to make their presence felt.
“Of just a little less experience, but equally expected to make great contributions are midfielder and captain Dadreann Clarke and defenders Erskine, Tullonge and ‘Betsy’ Gordon,” she added.
The series will be played at the Mona Hockey Facility on October 28, 30 and 31, starting at 4.00 pm each day. Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, will meet the teams and declare the series open at a brief ceremony at 3:30 pm on Thursday, October 28.
The Cuban delegation is expected to arrive in Jamaica on October 26, 2010.
Jamaica lost their last three matches to Cuba, including a 1-0 defeat at the 2006 CAC Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on July 21.
