The Hockeyroos have bounced back from a thrashing to shock women's hockey world No.1 the Netherlands with victory after a shootout.
They triumphed 2-1 in the shootout after scores were locked 3-3 at full time in their women's hockey Pro League clash in Eindhoven on Sunday.
It was the first time a team has taken points off the Netherlands this Pro League season, and also the first shootout loss suffered by the Dutch since the 2016 Rio Olympics.
The morale-boosting performance came after the Netherlands inflicted an embarrassing 7-2 defeat on the visiting Australians on Thursday.
Substitute goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram was the hero in the shootout after the Hockeyroos had contributors right across the pitch during the match.
The home side took an early advantage through Maria Verschoor in the sixth minute.
Just before quarter-time the Hockeyroos won their first penalty corner and Claire Colwill sent in a low drag flick with Brooke Peris quickest to react as she scored from inside a metre.
Yibbi Jansen’s powerful shot from a penalty corner routine gave the Dutch the lead back but the Hockeyroos drew level again in the 22nd minute.
Again it came from a penalty corner. as Penny Squibb sent the ball to Colwill to fire in a shot and Rosie Malone got a deft touch into the back of the net.
The Hockeyroos went ahead in the 28th minute when Maddison Brooks capitalised on a sublime pass and cannoned her shot in.
However, the Netherlands were level a minute later when Felice Albers struck with a stunning tomahawk shot.
Bartram came into goal for the Hockeyroos for the shootout and kept out four of the Netherlands’ five attempts as successful efforts from Malone and Steph Kershaw were enough to clinch the bonus point.
“I’m really proud of the girls. To bounce back like that after the first game takes real resilience and strength and I couldn’t have asked for a better performance from the team,” said player of the match Peris.
“Leading into the game we spoke about getting our connections up, staying stronger on the ball and playing our game for as long we can".
The Hockeyroos now head to Antwerp for their final two matches of the FIH Pro League 2022-23 season against Belgium.
