The Australian Hockeryroos team has scored a 3–2 victory over Argentina to win the final of the 4 Nations women’s hockey series, held in Mendoza, Argentina, from 9 to 13 February.

It was a big win for the Australian team, which is going through a building phase in the lead-up to the London 2012 Olympic Games. Six Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) athletes made their debut during the match: Bianca Greenshields, Marnie Hudson, Kandice Olivieri, Jodie Schulz, Jade Warrender and Kellie White.

The Hockeyroos had a great start with Ashleigh Nelson scoring the first goal of the match in the 8th minute. Australia was strong in defence for the rest of the first half, repelling three attacks on goal through penalty corners. 

Argentina hit back after the break with two goals in 12 minutes: one by Delfina Merino through a penalty corner (46th minute) and one by Carla Rebecchi (58th minute).

All appeared lost, but Australia staged an amazing comeback with debutante Schulz scoring a goal through a penalty corner in the 70th minute to level 2–2, taking the game into extra time. Australia seized the opportunity with Schulz scoring again through a penalty corner to claim victory.

Coach Adam Commen’s was delighted with his team’s performance.

‘It is a very pleasing result. I thought we played very well in the first half and then obviously during the second half things became more difficult physically for both teams playing in the heat,’ said Commens. ‘But in the end it was a good character-building win to come from a goal down late in the match and win it.

‘I think they are performing as well as they can at the moment. The potential is there for the long term and we aren’t quite there yet. There are still a few things we need to work on. We will continue to refine things and come up with the best solutions in each of the lines.’

The AIS works in partnership with Hockey Australia to support the training and development of talented male and female players, providing access to specialist coaching and sports science expertise and state-of-the-art facilities.