Hockey New Zealand: The bulk of the successful Black Sticks team which won a home series against the USA 4-1 earlier this month have been retained to contest the Rabobank Hockey Challenge Tournament in the United States in July.

The only significant omission is experienced Manawatu midfielder Tara Drysdale, who has struggled with injury this year and found it difficult to maintain the aerobic capacity necessary for international hockey.

Vastly experienced Manawatu striker Moira Senior is the only addition to the team. Senior was omitted from the USA series side, but is known for her finishing ability and is being given the make or break opportunity to prove herself as the team builds toward the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne next March.

Two players who debuted against the USA earlier this month have retained their positions after solid performances against the Americans. They are striker Lizzie Ryan and midfielder Jane Maley, both from Canterbury.

The team is a blend of experienced players and developing talent. It includes eight players with over 50 caps. Four players are still teenagers. They are Kayla Sharland, Emily Naylor, Lizzie Ryan and Frances Kreft, who are all 19.

Defender Rachel Sutherland, living in Ireland, was not available for selection but will be available again after June.

Black Sticks Coach Ian Rutledge says the USA series provided a good opportunity to see where the team’s performance was at, after a hectic 2004.

“We have made huge gains in all areas of our game and benefited from the Olympic experience,” he said.

“Prior to the Olympics we were establishing a team and we now have the opportunity to narrow our focus down to key areas of our performance.”

The team’s next goal is to win the Champions Challenge and promotion to the 2006 Champions Trophy, the elite level tournament contested by the best six teams in the world.

New Zealand won promotion to the 2004 Champions Trophy by finishing sixth at the Athens Olympics, but dropped out of the tournament last November.

The Champions Challenge Tournament is contested by teams ranked 7-12 in the World. This year it is being held in Virginia Beach, USA, from 8-16 July. Teams competing are England, Japan, New Zealand, South Africa, Spain and USA.

Black Sticks women’s team
Stacey Carr (Canterbury)
Honor Dillon (Canterbury)
Jo Galletly (Canterbury)
Lizzy Igasan (North Harbour)
Beth Jurgeleit (Wellington)
Frances Kreft (Canterbury)
Jane Maley (Canterbury)
Suzie Muirhead (Wellington)
Emily Naylor (Canterbury)
Meredith Orr (Canterbury)
Niniwa Roberts-Lang (Wellington)
Lizzie Ryan (Canterbury)
Sheree Phillips (Manawatu)
Jaimee Provan (North Harbour)
Moira Senior (Manawatu)
Kayla Sharland (Manawatu)
Anita Wawatai (Manawatu)
Diana Weavers (Tauranga)