Indoor hockey is a game of great skill and speed and ten girls recently showed that when they represented Mackay in the 2022 U15 Girls Indoor State Indoor Hockey Championships.
Coming up against the best in the state, the girls came off only four training sessions between selection and the tournament, taking place in Brisbane from November 4-6, to make it all the way to the final.
“We were there to have a really good time and work as a team, and through doing that is generally when you play your best hockey and they proved that,” said Coach Emily Herrington.
“I certainly couldn’t have been more proud of them because they just ticked all the boxes from a coach’s perspective.”
Mackay finished on top of their pool with two wins and a loss before defeating Brisbane 3 in the semi with a resounding 6-0 win to make it into the final.
They were to come up against Ipswich in the final, ultimately going down 0-2.
“We wanted them to enjoy the moment and not let it overcome them,” said Manager Shelley Fisher.
“It’s a really nice thing to see them playing really good hockey but having fun while doing it and I think that’s really important for this age group,” added Emily.
“We’re so proud of them and they represented Mackay unbelievably well.”
Player Sunmer Vaughan said the team was “nervous but excited” leading into the final.
“It was upsetting that we lost but we came second overall so that’s good,” she said.
Selections for the U15 Queensland team were made following the tournament, with Mackay’s Tylah Andrews being selected and Laura Camilleri and Ebony Temple being selected in the shadow squad.
16-year-old Sam Riggs was also part of the coaching team as Assistant Coach.
“He did so well in terms of his coaching development, so I think that’s a really positive thing for indoor hockey,” said Emily.
“They are willing to support young kids coming through in all avenues.”
Back L-R Shelley Fisher (Manager), Sunmer Vaughan, Amali Paganoni, Maddie Searle (GK), Georgia Rye, Jenna Scott, Emily Herrington (Coach), Sam Riggs (Assistant Coach). Front L-R Tylah Andrews, Ebony Temple, Laura Camilleri, Taylor Fisher, Isabel Miles
Mackay finished second at the 2022 U15 Girls Indoor State Indoor Hockey Championships. Photos supplied
