By Avenash Ramzan
Guyana’s Women suffered a second defeat in two games on Day One of the Indoor Pan American Hockey Cup on Friday in the USA.
After a morale-deflating 20-2 loss at the hands of defending champions and top ranked USA earlier in the day, Guyana succumbed 14-0 to Argentina, the runners-up the last time the tournament was held in 2017 in Guyana.
Eight Argentina players got on the scoresheets, led by a helmet-trick from Julia Gomes. Trio Carina Guzman, Romina Zanni and Luciana Agudo netted a double each, while Mario Nimo, Lara Irianni, Maria Berola and Juliana Ferreyra Rios added a single strike apiece.
Guyana is missing three key players – the experienced Sonia Jardine with an ankle injury and skipper captain Gabriella Xavier and goalkeeper Alysa Xavier, who have both tested positive for COVID-19.
Short on resources, the team manager had to take up the slack between the uprights, further throwing Guyana’s pre-tournament plans into disarray.
Guyana will next play on Saturday, against Canada at 11:30h, followed by a clash against Uruguay at 16:00h. The tournament will conclude on Sunday with the third place playoff and final.
Summary of Day One games:
Canada and Uruguay drew 1-1
USA defeated Guyana 20-2
Argentina and Uruguay drew 2-2
USA defeated Canada 5-4
Argentina defeated Guyana 14-0
