HOCKEY - GIRLS 1ST XI
Back Row : Second Row : Front Row :
Emma McLagan , Martelize Nel , Hannah Estcourt , Miah Brabin , Halle Haw Bonnie Maidens , Charlotte McLagan , Olivia Walter , Jeanette Steyn , Piper Burroughs , Priya Thompson Lana Chrystall , Morgan Lukies , Alice Hoogerbrug , Lola McDonald , Lucy McLagan
2021 has been a physically and mentally challenging year again for all of us . With the 1st XI girls rolling back into the development stage , their focus for the year was set at building skills and understanding the game , as well as a squad that could enter 2022 already prepped as a united team on and off the turf . Fortunately , this year they have had Jono Heaphy to coach them through the season allowing them to grow individually and as a team . For an almost completely new squad , the decision was made to step down into Division 2 in order to help the girls focus on developing their play and , reassuringly , they continued to take wins over and over again . Throughout the season , with the encouragement of each previous game , the girls ’ connectivity grew and grew . Their increasing understanding of how each other moved and played helped them to rise to the top of Division 2 .
Due to the Covid lockdown though , all sports teams were hit with the heartbreaking news that tournament week was cancelled . For Lola McDonald , Charlotte McLagan , Jeanette Steyn and Alice Hoogerbrug this was their final year in the 1st XI squad and final tournament of high school so understandably a hard reality to face when ending the season . The final game for the girls was against Tawa in the annual exchange , emerging with a 2-2 draw . Though it wasn ’ t a win , the team was still very happy with the result , seeing as Tawa were in the top two of Division 1 in Wellington .
Overall it has been a successful season for the team , looking back at where they started . The numerous wins stand as proof of their capabilities and show their immense growth as a united squad for 2021 .
Alice Hoogerbrug , Captain
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