Hockeyroos beat Italy in World League to make cut for 2018 World Cup

THE Australian women’s hockey team have finalised their qualification for the 2018 World. Cup with a top finish at a World League event in Brussels.

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THE Australian women’s hockey team have finalised their qualification for the 2018 World Cup with a top finish at a World League event in Brussels.

The Hockeyroos beat Italy’s 3-1 in the fifth v sixth playoff to book their spot at next years World Cup.

Kathryn Slattery 22 (FG), Georgie Morgan 48 (PC) and Madi Ratcliffe 55 (FG) put the points on the board for the Aussies.

Kathryn Slattery scored in matches against both Belgium and Italy.

Italy’s only points came off a penalty corner in the 11th minute.

“It’s pleasing to have ensured qualification for the 2018 World Cup,” said coach and former international men’s player Paul Gaudoin.

“We expected Italy to be tough and they were.

“While we didn’t play as well as we would have liked it was nice to grind out a win in a pretty tough environment.

“I think we’ll get some character building through that as well.”