Giselle Ansley is backing Great Britain to continue to build momentum in the FIH Pro League after they picked up their first win in the competition.
On Ansley’s maiden appearance as captain, her side came from behind to beat USA 3-1 thanks to two goals from Lily Owsley and a first international goal from Emily Defroand. The Olympic champions had trailed after Mackenzie Allessie's 22-minute penalty corner, but Mark Hager's side dug deep to take the win with all three goals coming in a 14-minute spell. Ansley, who was celebrating her birthday, said: “We are really pleased to come away with our first win of the FIH Pro League.
“It was a solid team performance and we are now looking to take that confidence into our game next Saturday against Argentina. “It was a special day for Lily on her 50th GB cap, for Em D scoring her first international goal and I'm very thankful to the girls for making my birthday even better with that win!” Great Britain will now travel to Rosario to face Argentina – who have lost just once in their eight Pro League matches so far. The South Americans grabbed a 1-0 win over China this weekend thanks to Silvina Elia goal from a penalty corner.
GB head coach Mark Hager said his side were looking forward to the challenge after a strong performance against USA. “It's good to get our first win of the FIH Pro League under our belts,” he said. “I was pleased to see Lily Owsley score two quality goals and Emily D scoring her first goal for GB. “I was also happy with a solid defensive performance overall, to only concede one goal following four penalty corners. “Now a new challenger awaits us in Argentina, going to the heat against a strong performing team, we're looking forward to it.” Sportsbeat 2019