University of Massachusets Athletics
Widdall Part Of Team USA 8 Nations Tournament Travel Roster
April 02, 2015 | Field Hockey
Team USA Roster Release
Team USA 8 Nations Tournament Information
8 Nations Tournament Official Website
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - Former University of Massachusetts all-American goalkeeper Alesha Widdall (2008-11) was one of 18 competitors from Team USA selected for the United States National Team's 8 Nations Tournament travel roster. Widdall will head to New Zealand with the U.S. side for the international event set to run from April 11-19, 2015.
Widdall was a four-year standout in the cage at UMass, where she earned a career 1.40 goals-against average and .774 save percentage with 47 victories. She won National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) All-America on two occasions (2008 & 2010) and took home the Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year Award at the conclusion of her senior year in 2011.
8 Nations Tournament games will take place at the Hasting Sports Park in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand. Before the tournament begins, Team USA will play No. 2 internationally ranked Australia in a practice match on April 9. USA will also face the Australians in its first game on April 11. The squad will also challenge India and China prior to quarterfinals action on Thursday, April 16.
Widdall owns 30 caps with Team USA, including participation in the 2014 Champions Challenge and Rabobank Hockey World Cup as well as appearances at the 2013 World League Round 2, Four Nationals, World League Round 3 and Pan American Games. A long-time competitor for the U.S., Widdall saw her first national team action at the 2012 Champions Challenge.
Team USA 8 Nations Tournament Schedule
Saturday, April 11 - vs. Australia at 3:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 12 - vs. India at 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 14 - vs. China at 3:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 16 - Quarterfinals
Saturday, April 18 - Semifinals
Sunday, April 19 - Championship Game/Placement Games
*All dates and times are local to Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
