Squibb returns to national colours

Tambellup’s Penny Squibb returned to the Hockeyroos fold as the national women’s side flew out this week ahead of matches in China and Europe as part of the 2019 FIH Pro League.

Squibb, who has eight Australian caps to her name, was named in the Hockeyroos 20-member squad for the final five matches to round out the FIH Pro League.

The Hockeyroos flew to China on Tuesday ahead of their clash with China on Sunday, the first of five games in three weeks as they try to secure a place in the Pro League finals held in the Netherlands in late June.

Squibb was raised in Tambellup and made her international debut last year at the Champions Trophy.

The 26-year-old played six matches and scored her first goal at the Champions Trophy and has played two matches in national colours since, both coming in the Pro League.

She was part of Australia’s 3-0 win over Great Britain at Perth Hockey Stadium in February and also played in the Hockeyroos 2-1 victory over the United States at Sydney Olympic Park in March.

The Hockeyroos face China on Sunday afternoon before travelling to London where they take on Great Britain seven days later.

After that they play Germany in Krefeld on June 16, face Belgium on June 19 in Antwerp and tackle the Netherlands in Amstelveen on June 23 to complete their qualifying games.

The Hockeyroos sit third on the women’s Pro League standings behind the Netherlands and Argentina with the top four reaching the semifinals.

Hockeyroos head coach Paul Gaudoin said the upcoming matches served as a good opportunity for a number of players.

“We’re hoping to make finals,” Gaudoin said. “We’re also trying to make sure we give a number of players in our squad an opportunity to perform. We’re keen to do well in this FIH Pro League leg and we’ve also got a small eye on the Oceania Cup, which is our Olympic qualifier later in the year.”