100th match for NZ motivation for Pearce
BLACK STICKS striker Kirsten Pearce has a lot to play for tonight.
For a start, the 27yearold will be playing her 100th game when the Black Sticks play Japan in game four of Women’s TriNations in Cromwell.
That is enough motivation right there but Pearce and the team have a point to prove.
The Black Sticks have lost their opening two games in the tournament and will be desperate to put in a good performance.
The New Zealanders beat Australia 41 to win gold at the Commonwealth Games last month but have not been able to recapture that form. Their discipline and defence have been below par.
Pearce missed selection for the Commonwealth Games and it is important she does well in the next few games to convince the selectors she is worth taking to the World Cup in London in a couple of months.
She was a regular in the side until injury intervened a year ago.
‘‘I had a bulging disc and that kind of put me out for a bit longer than I would have liked to have been out for,’’ she said.
‘‘But it is one of those things in hockey, especially when you are bent over in that position for quite a long period of time.
‘‘My injury was quite bad . . . but I’m happy to be back now.’’
While she is back feeling almost 100%, ultimately the injury cost her a gold medal. But Pearce is philosophical and she got a huge thrill out of watching her teammates march to glory on the Gold Coast.
‘‘Of course I wanted to be there myself . . . but to see them get through the semi and win like they did in the shootout was amazing. And to take the gold was even better.’’
Pearce was born in South Africa and lived in Australia for 13 years before returning to New Zealand to pursue ‘‘a childhood dream’’ to play international hockey.
Tomorrow will be my 100th,’’ she said with a broad smile. Pearce showed some nice touches in the 41 defeat to Australia on Sunday and added energy when she came on.
She is hoping to build on that form with a strong showing against Japan, which beat the Black Sticks 21 on Saturday.
Having missed out on the Commonwealth Games, Pearce is determined to be part of the World Cup campaign.
‘‘The World Cup is massive for us this year. Com Games was awesome to win for the girls . . . but the World Cup is definitely the pinnacle. I’m definitely going to be pushing hard for a spot.
‘‘Trying to get back with the calibre of players we have means I have to be hungrier and strive for that top spot.’’
The Black Sticks are missing three key defenders for the TriNations, including regular captain Stacey Michelsen, and it has showed.
But New Zealand will play Japan and Australia at the World Cup, so there is also an element of the team not wanting to give too much away.
That said, the team wants to put on a better show.
‘‘I know we have a lot more to give. The first two games have not been great for us but I know that the upcoming ones are going to be great.’’
❛ Of course I wanted to be there
myself . . . but to see them get through the semi and win like they did in the shootout was amazing. And to
take the gold was even better