Guyana women’s hockey team made an impressive start in the Pan American Challenge Cup with a win and a draw in two matches after two days of competition at the Deodoro Hockey Complex in neighbouring Brazil.
Guyana and Brazil were tied on four points while Uruguay had three points after two rounds of matches in the five-nation round-robin tournament.
The Guyanese came from a goal down to win 2-1 against a crafty Paraguay side in their opening encounter on Saturday. Maria Servian Giosa sent Paraguay into the lead in the 3rd minute of play from a field goal as the Paraguayans held on to the advantage for the entire first half.
Kerensa Fernandes equalized for Guyana from a penalty corner in the 41st minute of play.
Guyana’s winning goal came off the stick of pugnacious midfielder Amanda Garnett who blasted home a field goal in the 60th minute.
Guyana and Brazil played to a 1-1 draw in their match played yesterday and once again the Guyanese had to come from behind to redeem themselves.
Patricia Boos had scored for the Brazilians in the 28th minute from a penalty corner before Trisha Woodroffe equalized from a penalty corner on the stroke of half time.
Guyana will be in action again on tomorrow against Bermuda while on Friday they will take on Uruguay.
In other results of the competition, Brazil defeated Bermuda 3-0 while Uruguay crushed Bermuda 6-0.
The top two teams from the round robin stage will meet in the final on Saturday and will earn the right to compete in the Pan American playoff of the 2013 World Cup qualification competition joining the United States, Chile, Argentina, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago and Mexico.
