Four Tauranga hockey players have been named in the 2017 Vantage Black Sticks women's national squad. He had faith the two Tauranga 20-year-olds could push on to become integral members of the squad. "[Frances and Amy] both showed good signs against Malaysia last year, and Argentina was a good opportunity against top opposition. It was a good baptism of fire against number three in the world," Hager said. Hager would need to rely on the experience of 10 of the 25 named in this year's squad who have played 100 tests or more, including Keddell and Charlton.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 09, 2017 04:30 UTC