Tambellup’s Penny Squibb denies China on the goal line as Hockeyroos remain unbeaten after three games

Defender Penny Squibb helped the Hockeyroos stay unbeaten after three games of their Pro League series in Sydney.

The Hockeyroos claimed a shootout win over China last Friday and were impressive 3-0 winners over Germany on Sunday.

On Monday, they faced China for the second time, and after the two teams were locked at 2-2 at the end of full-time, the Hockeyroos went on to score their second shootout victory of the tournament.

Squibb, who turned 30 earlier this month, produced a remarkable goal line clearance with only five seconds to play that helped save the Hockeyroos from defeat.

Jiaqi Zhong and Bingfeng Gu gave China a deserved two-goal lead before Jane Claxton’s 52nd-minute strike, and Brooke Peris’ equaliser with three minutes to go rounded out the comeback.

After Squibb’s heroics at the death, goalkeeper Jocelyn Bartram again came into her own in the shootout to ensure the Australians remained undefeated after three matches.

Courtney Schonell, Peris, Kaitlin Nobbs and Lawton were all successful in the shootout to see the Hockeyroos claim the bonus point.

The Tambellup-raised Squibb made 35 passes and had five interceptions and two blocks in a vital defensive performance.

Two goals in the space of a minute from Rosie Malone and a late strike from Grace Stewart guided the Hockeyroos to victory over Germany.

In the opening game of the Pro League series, the first competitive match since last year’s Commonwealth Games, the Hockeyroos drew 1-1 with China.

The Hockeyroos won the shootout 3-1 as Bartram kept out three of China’s attempts in a fine performance.

Speaking after the first-up clash with China, Squibb said it was a good feeling to be back in national colours.

“It has been a long time since we have put on the green and gold,” Squibb said.

“We had a training camp leading into this, which was really informative and we learnt a lot from, so to put that into practice tonight was really good.

“We were trying to implement some of the things we’ve been working on, so to come away with a win in the shootout was nice.”