US Women sweep past Mexico in Field Hockey

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MENDOZA, Argentina – September 21, 2013 – Under brisk weather conditions and a flurry of snow, the U.S. Women kicked-off the Pan American Cup this afternoon in notable fashion. The squad created multiple scoring opportunities throughout the match, which resulted in goals from five different U.S. athletes. Team USA was able to continue their first-half lead momentum against Mexico to finish the game 6-0.

“The players were very eager to get going today, so it was nice to win in the first game of the tournament,” said U.S. Women’s Head Coach, Craig Parnham.“It is also pleasing that there have been multiple goal scorers. It was a great team effort today.”

The passing sequences throughout the first half created multiple circle entries, which led Team USA to capitalize on three quick corners. The U.S. converted on the third and fourth penalty corners as Katelyn Falgowski (Landenber, Pa.) and Jamie Montgomery (Lewisburg, Pa.) each found the back of the cage. Katie O’Donnell (Blue Bell, Pa.) closed out the first half of the match by scoring the third goal off a deflected ball in the circle.

“It was great to get a game under our belts,” said U.S Women’s Captain, Lauren Crandall. “Our main focus today was making sure we connected through each of our lines and to start the tournament off on the right foot.”

As the umpire blew the whistle and motioned the start of the second half, Team USA remained relentless. Katie Reinprecht (Perkasie, Pa.) opened the door of scoring by deflecting a shot by Rachel Dawson (Berlin, N.J.). Reinprecht answered again finishing off a beautiful cross ball into the circle by Montgomery. Paige Selenski (Shavertown, Pa.) scored the final goal of the match on diving effort in front of the cage to solidify the win.

“It is always a team effort,” said Crandall. “The individual skills are important but collectively as a team it takes hard work from everyone to succeed and that is exactly what happened here today.”

“There is still some work to do,” Parnham said. "We were able to create multiple opportunities but we need to be able to convert on more of our chances in the next few games.

Team USA will take the pitch tomorrow, September 22 at 12:30 p.m. ET against Chile and will end pool play against Uruguay on Tuesday, September 24, 3 p.m. ET. The semi-finals are scheduled for Thursday, September 26 and the medal matches on Saturday, September 28.

To support Team USA as they embark on their Pan Am Cup journey in Mendoza, Argentina, follow our Twitter handle @USAFieldHockey for the latest news and live updates. Go USA!