Underdogs Rising: Maccabi Women Secure Top 5 Spot

Photograph: Maccabi’s Ariela Bell (right) contests for the ball – credit, Peter Haskin

Maccabi Hockey Club’s women’s Metro 1 East team is continuing to develop each round into a highly competitive and resilient outfit. At the halfway point of the season, they are promisingly placed fifth out of 10, with three wins, three draws, and three losses.

In round 9 last Sunday at Monash University, the Maccabi women had one less player available than their opponents, Old Collegians, but held on for a gutsy 0-0 draw. Coached by Robbie Gore and led on the field by captain Rachel Kravietz, they felt content with the result, knowing they’d stood their ground against an experienced side coached by a former Maccabi coach.

Throughout the game, Maccabi maintained a strong defensive line, neutralising Old Collegians’ attempts to score. Kravietz and Sarah Karliner were instrumental in this defensive effort, while goalkeeper Emilie Zimet made several crucial saves to keep the scoreboard clean. Other team members included centre Rosa Pastor, right half Stephanie Tremigliozzi, inners Sasha Luftig and Cara Rubinfeld, and wingers Ariela Bell and Sophia Rink.

Tremigliozzi is currently the competition’s equal fourth-highest scorer, with four goals in eight appearances, while teammate Bell has scored three. Gore was particularly happy with Maccabi’s improved defence in round 9, and their cohesive play as a unit. “They should be proud of their performance and the way they represented their club, setting a strong foundation for the remainder of the season.”

CREDIT: AJN