May 2, 2008
WASHINGTON -
The American University head field hockey coach Steve Jennings returned to campus from Russia on Tuesday after helping to lead the United States National Women's Field Hockey Team to a berth in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. The U.S. team won the qualifying tournament in Kazan, Russia, after going 6-0 in the tournament, defeating Belgium, 3-1, in the gold medal game.
In the opening round against Belgium, the U.S. played its most challenging game in pool play, winning 3-2. The Americans went on to record dominant shutout victories over Russia (7-0), France (7-0) and India (4-0). The U.S secured a spot in the gold medal game with a 3-1 win over Netherlands Antilles.
"Building through the tournament was one of our main goals and by the time we arrived at the end of pool play, we knew that we were absolutely the best team in the tournament," Jennings said. "We were able to handle all of the challenges that our opposition could throw at us and observed how many teams were forced to change their normal style of play in an attempt to stay with us. That gave us great confidence."
In the final, a rematch of the opening game, the U.S. had a slow start but scored in the 18th minute to take a 1-0 lead. Belgium responded with a goal a few minutes later, but the Americans reclaimed the lead and finished the game with a 3-1 victory.
"In the beginning of the final game, we were a bit tentative but then we realized our normal game proved to be enough of a challenge for Belguim," Jennings recalled. "Until we got up by two, and in essence put the game away, we were a bit tight from over-wanting the result. When the final whistle blew it was just pure joy as well as a collective sigh of relief and pride that we had done it! It was one of the best moments of my life."
The U.S. was the top-ranked team in the tournament, boasting a No. 11 world ranking. India was ranked 13th heading into the event, followed by France (18), Netherlands Antilles (20), Russia (21) and Belgium (24).
The United States will now have two weeks off before resuming training back at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California. In mid-June they will compete in the National Championships in Virginia Beach before embarking on a tour to Germany for a four nation tournament and Holland for three matches with the World #1 ranked Spain. The team will depart for Beijing on August 1.
"Everything is set up for us to have a great Olympic Games and after a brief rest, the task will be to begin the climb to get to the next plateau. It is not enough for this group of amazing women to just compete on the world's highest athletic stage, they want to win."
Jennings was not the only American University tie to Olympic qualifying. Three former Eagles took the field for the Chilean National side. AU alums Denise Infante, Camila Infante, Javiera Villagra played integral roles in their country's run for an Olympic berth. All three recorded goals in the tournament, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, and while the Chileans fell short of the Olympics, the squad gained valuable experience.
"It will hopefully encourage more people to participate and get involved in field hockey," Denise Infante said. "But also, for us, the current team, it's motivation to keep going. We achieved something big and important for our country, but we could do so much more."
Chile defeated Ukraine, a team that is ranked ahead of them in the World rankings and beat them earlier in the tournament, to win the third place game and the bronze medal. Denise Infante scored the game-winning goal in the 2-1 victory over Ukraine.
"The atmosphere was great," Denise recalled. "Listening to your national anthem before every game and standing on that field with so many people watching and so many expectations. Scoring that last goal was an amazing feeling, it gave me chills. Seeing all of my teammates running to me, screaming, and everyone celebrating with a big smile on their faces."
Camila Infante and Villagra each finished the tournament with two goals each. Daniela and Paula Infante (Maryland) joined their sisters on the national team and each contributed a pair of goals.
"Sharing it with my sisters was the best part of all and having the four of us together on the field felt great," Denise commented. "I have been waiting for a long time to play with all of them and it's an honor to share the field with them. We had previous chances, but they weren't big tournaments, it was amazing to put on our uniforms and have our last name written on four shirts."
The qualifying tournaments presented the teams' last opportunity to earn an Olympic berth. The U.S. joins the 12-team field, which includes host China, Germany, Argentina, Netherlands, England, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Spain and South Africa. The final spot will be filled in a qualifier on Sunday held in Victoria, Canada, where American Alum Virginia Casabo ('98) is captaining the Uruguay National Team in hopes of rounding out the field. Casabo ranks fourth in AU history in career points.
