Class act out to lift Graduates
GRAND final heroine Sofi Viarengo returns to the women’s Premier League after the Argentinian forward stole the headlines in last year’s title decider.
A sublime hat-trick earned Viarengo the Player of the Final award and helped North-West Graduates to a famous 3-0 defeat of DiamondBacks to earn their second consecutive flag in 2017.
Opposition coaches were quick to admit that Viarengo will significantly improve the Graduates, with OHA boss Sarah McCambridge keen to cast her eye over the talented import.
“North-West need a boost at the moment. They haven’t had a win for two weeks and maybe Sofi can provide some drive for them,” McCambridge said.
“I haven’t seen her play before but from the talk at the hockey, she is a vital part to their team’s success.”
Viarengo’s return was initially delayed due to visa issues but the striker touched down on Wednesday and is ready to help Graduates end a poor patch against DiamondBacks at 3pm.
“Both sides are far removed from last year’s grand final, but Sofi is a terrific young lady and her arrival will help us to get results from our scoring chances as the season progresses,” Graduates coach Chris Hazelwood said.
“Ladder positions can be deceiving but both teams are capable of scoring many goals and DiamondBacks’ Emily Donovan is a player we will need to curb in the midfield because keeping her quiet will be important.”
Graduates were shocked last week with the resignation of co-coach Rod Clifford, something DiamondBacks went through earlier in the year.
“Losing a player or a coach mid-season is not ideal, but the playing group understand the best way to show their appreciation for Rod is to focus on the next opponent,” Hazelwood said.
North-West will be hoping for plenty of leadership from Louisa Jacobson after opposition coaches listed her as the number one defender in the competition, with Molly Haas (Derwent) and Sofie McLeod (OHA) the premier forwards nominated.
In other matches, Canterbury meets University at 4.30pm with the Students without Jas Allnutt, while OHA will start heavy favourite against Derwent from 6pm.