University of North Carolina Athletics
U.S. National Team Opens Sydney Tournament With Victory
September 22, 1999 | Field Hockey
Sept. 22, 1999
SYDNEY, Australia-The U.S. Field Hockey Women's National Team got off to a fast start in the first day of the Sydney International Hockey Challenge with a 3-2 win over Spain Wednesday. Kelli James scored two goals in the first 30 minutes of play to give the U.S. a 2-0 halftime lead and Michelle Vizzuso added another goal in the second half.
Jana Withrow, a former UNC player and current assistant coach, started in goal for the U.S. Other Carolina alums in the starting lineup were Kate Barber, Nancy Pelligreen and Cindy Werley. UNC junior Jana Toepel and alum Peggy Storrar were among the substitutes.
In the tournament's other game on Wednesday, host Australia, the defending Olympic and World champion, beat China 2-1.
The U.S. team will face Australia on Thursday and China on Saturday. The Hockey Challenge, which includes a men's tournament, is the Olympic Test Event for the State Hockey Centre, which will serve as the field hockey venue for the 2000 Olympic Games. The event is intended to test scoring systems and other functions prior to the Games.
