Strong start with three victories from Hockeyroos to open FIH Pro League account, Penny Squibb scores twice

The Hockeyroos started their new FIH Pro League campaign in strong fashion, winning three of their four matches on Australian soil earlier this month.

FIH Pro League action was played in Australia for the first time in two years and the Hockeyroos banked two victories over Spain and one against China.

Tambellup-raised defender Penny Squibb was crucial to that success, scoring twice in the four games and earning a player of the match award as well.

Squibb was one of four WA players in the Hockeyroos squad for the Sydney leg of the FIH Pro League.

Lexie Pickering, Karri Somerville and Aleisha Power were also part of the three Hockeyroos wins at Sydney Olympic Park

The Hockeyroos made a dream start with a 4-1 win over Spain on February 5, Squibb scoring a precision drag flick after half-time.

She was a rock in defence during the first-up win and was named player of the match as a result.

The Hockeyroos then beat China in a penalty shootout on February 6, after the two sides were locked at 2-all in regular time.

Grace Young and Courtney Schonell scored and goalie Power saved four shots to help the Hockeyroos notch a 2-1 shootout win.

On February 8, the Hockeyroos claimed an impressive 3-1 win over Spain after goals from Jade Smith, Maddison Brooks and Claire Colwill.

The Hockeyroos backed up with their final match against China on February 9, suffering their first loss of the campaign.

China’s pressure set up three goals within five minutes and the Hockeyroos never recovered despite a much-needed penalty corner conversion from Squibb in the second quarter.

The Kookaburras also started their FIH Pro League campaign with three wins from four matches in Sydney.

Australia’s national teams then remained in Sydney for a training camp ahead of the next round of the FIH Pro League.

The two sides travel to Argentina where they will compete against the hosts and Belgium on February 21-25.

Squibb, who recently played in the Indian Hockey League, has been rested by the selectors.

Emerging WA player Pippa Morgan has been included in the Hockeyroos squad for the overseas trip.

Morgan, who hails from Kondinin, has made only three appearances in the national women’s team but will get a chance to add to that when they tackle Argentina on February 21.