WAGGA under-15 girls coach Carla Bailey is confident her squad has the talent to win the division title next year after a strong showing at the Hockey NSW championships at Jubilee Park on the weekend.
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After winning division four in 2017 to earn promotion to division three, the squad was hopeful of leaping into division two. But an unlucky opening loss to Newcastle 2 on Friday, followed by a 5-0 defeat to eventual champions Bathurst ended those chances.
The team bounced back with wins over Newcastle 2 (1-0) and Goulburn 2 (2-0) on Saturday, before falling to Tamworth 2 1-0 in their pool placings clash on Sunday to finish sixth overall.
Northern Sydney and Beaches won the division one final over Illawarra South Coast courtesy of a penalty shootout after it finished scoreless in regular time.
"They all played strong attacking hockey and were very competitive over the carnival weekend," Bailey said.
"Most of them will be back (next year), there's a couple of older ones to move out but the majority will be available.
"That will give us good preparation to try and push for the title in the division next year.
"They could have easily competed for it this year but that's hockey. They had some opportunities they didn't quite capitalise on in a couple of games."
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