University of Massachusets Athletics
Gonzalez, Widdall Finish Fifth With U.S. At HWL Semifinals
June 22, 2015 | Field Hockey
VALENCIA, Spain - University of Massachusetts field hockey alumna Alesha Widdall and current volunteer assistant coach Melissa Gonzalez helped the United States National Team earn a fifth place finish at the Hockey World League (HWL) Semifinals. The U.S. wrapped up participation with a 3-1 win over Spain on Sunday, June 21.
Widdall was in the cage during the final contest and limited the Spanish hosts to just one goal while Gonzalez helped facilitate the offense on the other end. Overall, the squad went 4-2-1 on the trip with victories over Ireland, Spain, South Africa and Uruguary.
Team USA rolled through its opening two group stage contests with a 2-0 shutout of Uruguay on June 11 and a 4-1 drubbing of South Africa two days later. Following a 2-2 tie with Germany on June 14, the side advanced out of the group stage despite closing the opening round with a 2-0 loss suffered against Ireland (June 16).
The United States fell in the quarterfinals versus top-seeded Argentina, 3-0 two days later, but Gonzalez and Widdall helped the U.S. bounce back with a 6-1 win over the Irish ahead of the 3-1 victory earned against Spain.
U.S. National Team Results & Links
June 11 - USA 2, Uruguay 0: Press Release | Photo Gallery
June 13 - USA 4, South Africa 1: Press Release
June 14 - USA 2, Germany 2: Press Release & Photo Gallery
June 16 - Ireland 2, USA 0: Press Release | Photo Gallery
June 18 - Argentina 3, USA 0: Press Release | Photo Gallery
June 20 - USA 6, Ireland 1: Press Release & Photo Gallery
June 21 - USA 3, Spain 1: Press Release
