Shootout loss rounds out first Pro League series for Hockeyroos and Tambellup’s Penny Squibb

The Hockeyroos and Penny Squibb have made a pleasing start to their international return, picking up points from all four matches of the FIH Pro League series played in Sydney.

Squibb, raised in Tambellup, was a key part of the Hockeyroos’ defensive unit in the four games played at Sydney Olympic Park this month.

The Hockeyroos drew with China in their opening fixture on February 10 and then won the shootout before beating Germany 3-0 on February 12.

They prevailed again in a shootout over China on February 13, with scores locked at 2-2 after normal time and their final match on February 15 also went to a shootout.

Germany and Australia were level at 3-all after regular time but the Germans prevailed 2-1 in the shootout.

The Hockeyroos led on three occasions in the final game but Germany had a response on each occasion before getting the upper hand in the shootout.

Squibb started on the field in the final match and made 18 passes.

The national women’s side will now turn their attention to a FIH Pro League series against Argentina and the US in Hobart on February 28 to March 5.

Hockeyroos coach Katrina Powell was pleased with the overall outcome across the four matches.

“Going into this mini tournament, if we had thought we’d come away with as many points as we have from these games, we’d be really satisfied,” Powell said.

“We’ve shown over the course of the week that we’re a threat in shootouts as well. I’m really pleased with the progress the group has made over this series.

“It has been a really enjoyable experience, we’ve played some good hockey, scored some good goals and we’ve still got things to work on, but we’ll definitely take confidence from this into Hobart.”