Hockeyroos fall in Olympic opener despite Slattery’s lively display

South Stirling-bred Hockeyroo Kathryn Slattery is confident her side can bounce back after losing their opening game of the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio to Great Britain 2-1 on Sunday, WA time.

Slattery started on the pitch and was lively throughout which included having the first shot of the game and injecting the ball in their six penalty corner opportunities.

Early in the first quarter Slattery forced a terrific save from Great Britain goalkeeper Maddie Hinch and then helped her side win a penalty corner in the second period, but moments later Great Britain opened the scoring through Lily Owsley.

Slattery’s fast injection at a set piece in the third term led to Georgina Morgan finally converting a chance as the Hockeyroos drew level, but their joy was short-lived.

Defender Edwina Bone was yellow-carded, forcing the Hockeyroos to go a player down and, on the fast break, Great Britain scored again with Alex Danson’s tomahawk strike finding the back of the net.

The Hockeyroos tried desperately to equalise again and had the majority of the attacking opportunities, with Slattery’s bullocking work in the attacking circle inside the final two minutes earning another penalty corner.

But Morgan’s shot was just wide as Great Britain hung on for victory.

Australia sat at the bottom of pool B before last night’s match against the United States and they will take on India at 10pm WA time tomorrow.

Slattery said it was an amazing feeling to make her Olympic debut and believed her team could get a better result against the US.

“It was an incredible feeling that words can’t describe, to step out onto the pitch and represent my country at the Olympic Games,” she said.

“Although it was disappointing not to get the result, there were many positive areas from our performance and a few areas we can tighten up on to get a better result in (last night’s) game.

“We played some great attacking and uncompromising hockey that illustrates the style we have been working on, the process is there and the results will come off the back of our hard work.”

The 23-year-old forward said the support she had received from people back home and her family in Rio had been humbling.

“To have the support of my family was invaluable and it was such a proud moment for me,” she said.

“I’m very grateful I could share with them.

“It’s been amazing, the support from back home.”