New blood for Black Sticks Women

The Black Sticks Women have brought in some fresh faces at the beginning of the new Olympic cycle.

Head coach Mark Hager has named an initial squad of 21 players with five more to be added following next month's test series in Argentina.

The squad is grounded by a core of experienced and talented athletes, nine of whom have played more than 100 tests.

Thanks to her recent performances at the Junior World Cup and December's test series against Malaysia in Stratford, 20-year-old Midlands defender Frances Davies has earned a call-up.

Goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon is also new face to the Black Sticks. The 24-year-old previously lived and played her hockey in Australia.

Several experienced players, including Anita McLaren, Gemma Flynn, Charlotte Harrison, Petrea Webster and Sophie Cocks, have opted to take a break from international hockey and were not available for selection.

Hager said it was an exciting phase for the squad as it hunted for more success this year and the focus shifted towards the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

''After an Olympic campaign you always see changes for different reasons and I'm excited about the group we have going forward,'' he said.

''It's pleasing to see some great young athletes coming through and pushing for places, and that's why players like Frances Davies and Erin Goad have been rewarded.

''We have a lot to look forward to this year, with the end goal making sure we give our absolute best performance at the FIH Women's World League Final here at home in November.''

The Black Sticks Women's team to travel to Argentina for a six-test series in late February will be announced today, and the men's national squad will be named tomorrow.

Southern's Tessa Jopp was named in the Black Sticks development squad. She is the only representative from Southern to be named in either team.

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