The Whakatāne Intercity women’s hockey team capped off their season in style with a shootout win over Mount Maunganui in the Women’s Intercity Hockey Competition.

It was the team’s first intercity title, having won the Baywide competition earlier in the season, and the victory maintained Whakatāne’s unbeaten run.

Player-coach Lizzy Horlock said it was a “glorious” result for the team and for women's hockey in Whakatāne.

“Winning the final really tops off what has been a positive and strong season for our team. We went unbeaten for the season, which is no easy task and a real credit to the team's pride and willingness to maximise their opportunities to play quality hockey.”

Lucy Carter managed to score a well-taken goal in regular time, but Mount found an equaliser late in the contest, which forced the game to shootout.

“Going to shootout is never ideal, and a late goal from Mount meant we were under more pressure than we needed to be,” said Horlock.

“I’m super proud of the efforts of our goalkeeper Erin Mcdonald to save her first three shots, while our young ones, Lucy Carter, Caitlin Bridge and Addie Tetze all stepped up to convert their attempts, which also meant we sealed the win.”

She credits Mount and their game plan, which saw Whakatāne shift away from what they knew well.

“Unfortunately, the final wasn't our best performance. While we had a good percentage of play in the front half of the field, Mount defended well with numbers and made it hard for us to find our flow at times. We know we can also do a better job at holding our structure and the ball from the back to help set the attack.”

Horlock said it was nice defeating a team like the Mount in the final.
“It is always great taking away a win and despite not having the advantage of what felt like a well-earned home final.

“While the Mount showed determination and fought hard, they also had a rowdy crowd in behind them."