The first Women’s match on Day 5 of the 2011 Pan Am Challenge was between Uruguay and Guyana. In the opening minutes, Uruguay showed their strong offensive intensity. And Uruguay’s Karina BISIGNANO scored off a penalty corner to give Uruguay the early lead. For the majority of the match, Uruguay not only dominated possession, but kept play in their attacking half. Behind the strong play of Guyana’s keeper Alysa XAVIER Uruguay could not capitalize off a number of penalty corner opportunities. Uruguay took a two goal lead off a Florencia NORBIS goal in the 22^nd minute. While Guyana barely had possession in their attacking half, Guyana kept Uruguay from scoring again in the first half. Thus, the halftime score remained Uruguay 2 and Guyana nill.

The second half began with play more back and forth between Uruguay and Guyana. Both teams played good defense to prevent the other from taking many shots on goal. Guyana had more ball possession in the second half, but overall, Uruguay continued to dominate play. Yet, Guyana’s defense persisted and kept Uruguay from scorning in the second half. Thus, the final score remained 2-0 in favor of Uruguay.

MATCH QUOTES

Guyana’s Head Coach Philip FERNANDES

On the match…

It was a very difficult match going in. Win, draw or lose we knew we needed to concede few goals. Our strategy for the whole game was very defensive to contain Uruguay and make sure they did not score [too much]. Uruguay gave us a lot of pressure; they are a very strong team. Fortunately, our keeper and our defense came up strong and defended shots that might have resulted in many more goals. In the second half, we started to feel increasingly confident and were able to get some promising counter-attacks. This felt encouraging if we are to see Uruguay again [in the Final]. I am comfortable with the score because given our high opposition and I think it was a good game for us.

Guyana’s Leigh SANDISON

On the difference between the first and second halves of the match…

Just composure. The early goal we gave up put us off and we panicked. Uruguay seemed more comfortable and a confident. In the second half, we did not give up any goals and like the rest of the team I think being more comfortable with the game and coming out well on defense helped us. And I think we were more fit and determined in the second half …I feel like I ran 20 miles.

On her experience here playing for Guyana [having previously played for Canada] …

It is really exciting. Guyana has no turf so we have so much to gain from each game here. We could really see how much of difference it makes. And I think if we advance today [to the Final] it will make a huge difference for hockey in Guyana and I really hope we can do that.