Paris Olympics 2024: Hockeyroos and Tambellup’s Penny Squibb start strongly with two pool game victories

The Hockeyroos have started their quest for a medal at the Olympic Games in impressive fashion, winning their first two games of the campaign in Paris. Tambellup’s Penny Squibb made her Olympic debut when Australia started with a hard-fought 2-1 win over South Africa on Sunday. Squibb was then a vital contributor in the Hockeyroos commanding 4-0 win over Great Britain on Monday. The Hockeyroos sit second in the pool B standings with six points after two matches, level with fellow unbeaten side Argentina. Squibb was a key factor in the result against Great Britain, setting up their second goal while having a penalty corner shot of her own saved. The 31-year-old produced a long aerial ball into the attacking circle in the second quarter and Alice Arnott doubled her side’s advantage. Soon after Squibb had her shot from a penalty corner saved by British goalkeeper Miriam Pritchard. Squibb had another chance from a penalty corner in the final term that was unsuccessful as Australia pushed for a fifth goal. Rebecca Greiner opened Australia’s account in the 17th minute and goals to Tatum Stewart and Grace Stewart in the final quarter sealed the big result. Australia face USA in their next pool game on Wednesday night before closing out their qualifying games against Argentina on Friday afternoon and Spain on Saturday night. The top four from each of the two pools progress to the quarterfinals that start on August 5.