U.S. Places Fifth in Hockey World League Semifinals

VALENCIA, Spain – The United States women's national field hockey team is one step closer to qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro after securing a fifth-place finish at the conclusion of the International Hockey Federation Women's Hockey World League Semifinals Sunday.

Team USA went 2-1-1 during the pool play portion of the tournament before shutting out Argentina in the quarterfinal stage, 3-0, Thursday, June 18. Former Duke defender Stefanie Fee made a key defensive play in the victory, cutting off an Argentina breakaway to regain possession for the U.S. in the first half.

Facing Ireland for the second time, the U.S. squad once again delivered a win in a 6-1 decision Saturday, June 20. The team set the tone early, registering 22 circle penetrations to just five by Ireland in the first half. The win advanced Team USA to the fifth and sixth place match, which resulted in a 3-1 victory over Spain Sunday. Fee and the defensive unit weathered a relentless attack from Spain in the early part of the contest, and after surrendering an initial goal, held strong for the remainder of the time.

“Throughout the tournament, I was pleased with how we set ourselves up,” said Craig Parnham, U.S. Women's National Team Head Coach. “We created consistent chances. The only difference with the earlier part of the tournament is we didn't take risks. In the second part of the tournament we were able to convert chances making the results more helpful for us."

With the fifth-place showing in Valencia, the U.S. squad improved its chances for selection to Rio. Up next, the team will travel to Toronto to take part in the Pan American Games July 10-26.

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U.S. Places Fifth in Hockey World League Semifinals

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