THE Hockeyroos, which include Gerringong’s Grace Stewart, have exacted some revenge for Saturday’s loss to Japan with a 5-1 win in the opening game of their Test series at Adelaide’s State Hockey Centre on Wednesday night.
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Australia had gone down 3-2 to the Japanese on Saturday in Melbourne, subsequently missing out on the final of the International Festival of Hockey.
Maddy Fitzpatrick scored a double, while sister Savannah, who scored a brace against the Japanese on Saturday, opened the scoring.
Forwards Grace Stewart and Emily Hurtz also hit the scoresheet, before Minami Shimizu scored a late consolation.
Australia raced to a 3-nil lead within 17 minutes in a strong display, where the side had two debutantes in goalkeeper Aleisha Power and Mikaela Patterson both start.
“It was a good start – it was a little bit disappointing that they got a goal,” Power said.
“We got a lot of goals in the first half.
“We were hoping to take the win considering they beat us last week at the international festival of hockey.”
Savannah Fitzpatrick opened the scoring with a classy reverse stick finish into the roof of the net, before Stewart powered home the second before quarter-time.
Maddy Fitzpatrick added a third early in the second quarter with a trademark penalty corner low into the backboard.
Power made a sharp save to deny Hazuki Nagai’s skilful effort in the third quarter, before Hurtz made it 4-nil in the 43rd minute with a tap-in after Jacqui Day’s shot.
Maddy Fitzpatrick added the fifth from a penalty corner in the final term, with Shimizu converting from close range late on.
“It’s probably the best feeling I’ve ever experienced,” Power said.
“I think I’ve dreamed about this moment for a really long time.
“To be in the moment, it’s not what you expect, I was very overwhelmed but excited.”
The two sides will meet again at the same venue on Thursday from 7pm local time.
