Tambellup’s Penny Squibb selected in Hockeyroos squad for upcoming World Cup in Spain and Netherlands

Tambellup defender Penny Squibb has been picked to represent the Hockeyroos at the World Cup in Europe. Squibb was announced in an 18-strong national women’s hockey team that will compete at the FIH Women’s World Cup in Spain and the Netherlands from July 1-17. The 29-year-old impressed during the recent Trans-Tasman series in New Zealand and was joined in the squad by fellow WA players Karri Somerville and Aleisha Power. The Hockeyroos will be out to win their third World Cup after previous triumphs in 1994 and 1998 and finishing fourth in the last edition of the tournament in 2018. Squibb will feature alongside an inexperienced Hockeyroos squad, with half the team having less than 25 games international experience. After making her debut in 2018, Squibb has made 16 international appearances for her country and scored two goals. The Hockeyroos are in pool D and face Belgium, Japan and South Africa in the qualifying stage at the 15th edition of the prestigious event that comprises 16 teams. Head coach Katrina Powell said the team’s performances in Auckland had made selection a difficult process, but she was excited by the squad’s potential. “It was really important for us to play those matches against New Zealand to be able to get a gauge on where some of our players are at internationally,” she said. “In the end we are really pleased with the mix of youth and experience and excited for the challenge that is the World Cup.” The Hockeyroos will fly to Europe on June 16.