Claudia Ardiles, Captain of Peru, experienced a mixture of feelings, tears of joy and weariness after battling until the end of the match. In a huge embrace Claudia, her sister Ximena Ardiles, María José Fermi, Marianella Álvarez and Camila Méndez jumped in the midfield while the chant from the stands went, Peru…Peru…Peru! Host Peru had just defeated Puerto Rico 2-1, winning the Bronze Medal of the Pan American Challenge that ended today in Chiclayo.
Both goals by Canela Devoto and Ximena Ardiles defined the victory over Puerto Rico, who played a great match, pressing, and even scoring in minute 43 with a goal by Josefina Delgado.
“This is what we wanted. We promised we would make it to the podium, and we’ve achieved it. It was difficult, we went through hard times, especially in this match as Puerto Rico played a great match, but we made it”, said Fermi, solid Peruvian defense player.
It seems that the Peruvian Hockey Federation pitch, in northern Peru, brings them luck as they won the Silver Medal of the Bolivarian Games (a regional multi-sport event) only two years ago on the same pitch. “This is the best result our hockey has achieved in all its history. This will help create awareness about how the sport has grown and the potential it has”, said Coach Luis Pacheco, who returned from coaching in England to help promote hockey in his country.
GOOD JOB FROM THE CAGE
They say that a good team starts from the back to the front. Everything relied on Ana Palomino, who stretched herself as far as she could saving a penalty shot from Josefina Delgado.
However, this effort paid off, as with a well executed penalty corner Canela Devoto broke the parity in minute 11, thus Peru took the lead, with an excited crowd in the stands as witnesses.
Yet, in minute 22, a pass on the left found Ximena Ardiles free, who, with a hard shot made it to the back of the net between the post and the goalkeeper Stephanie García.
Peru knew how to handle the timing. The confidence of players Fermi and Marianella Álvarez defending in midfield organized the defense line and added to the great performance of link Yurandi Quino, who not only contributed strongly containing but also was responsible to open the game to the sides.
“It was tough for us. Hockey is not professional in Peru: the players study and work, we have to train at night, in hired pitches. We hope, that after this great result, they realize that a synthetic turf pitch should be installed in Lima”, said Valeria León. Peru finished unbeaten, with three wins and two draws.
Organized by PAHF and the Peruvian Hockey Federation, The Pan American Challenge took place in Chiclayo, 760 km north of Lima, on October 3rd through October 11th.
