ABOVE: Back row (L-R): Connor Haines, Kyah Huntley, Abbie Spriggs, Mariah Fox, Max Rogalski, Claire Wilks, Ella Stevens, Harry Stockham, Shaun Fitzpatrick (Vice Captain) & Mr. Kris Sjostrom (Coach). Front row (L-R): Katie Freak, Alanna Haines, Jordan Ambrose (Captain), Sophie Tsesmelis, Ruby Chirgwin & Jake Forbes.
The 2018 PLHS Open Mixed Hockey team enjoyed an extremely successful day at Ravendale on Tuesday May 22nd. We provided strong competition at the annual round robin tournament against several other schools, ultimately finishing the carnival undefeated but in second place (on percentage only).
From the first whistle to the last, the skill level and sportsmanship of the team really shone; great stick-handling skills were demonstrated by the senior members of team in particular, with Jordan Ambrose and Alanna Haines providing crucial leadership throughout the day.
Ruby Chirgwin, Kyah Huntley and Harry Stockham consistently held their ground in defence, forming a near impossible wall for opposing teams to negotiate; we conceded only one goal for the day. Similarly in attack, the pace and silky skills of Max Rogalski, Katie Freak, Connor Haines, Ella Stevens and Shaun Fitzpatrick provided offensive drive into open goals, scoring seven times during our three games. Kyah Huntley, Claire Wilks, Mariah Fox, Jake Forbes and Sophie Tsesmelis delivered great run down the wings to offer tremendous support to their infield teammates.
From a coaching perspective, the composure, skill and sportsmanship exhibited by the PLHS squad was outstanding, and we were very unlucky not to claim the overall win. Hopefully, the story will be different next year.
~ Mr Kris Sjostrom (Coach)