The NWU’s Varsity Hockey ladies made the perfect start to the Potchefstroom leg of the tournament tonight at the NWU Astroturf with an all-important 2-1 victory against the undefeated Maties.

The NWU scored the first goal in front of a boisterous home crowd who cheered every move from the ladies in purple. It was Candice Silent who got the crucial goal for the NWU after she capatalised on a loose ball in front of the net.

Maties were not going to lie down without a fight and their captain, Paige Phillips, scored from a penalty corner to cut the deficit in half with 15 minutes to play.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

NWU though held on despite a few nervy moments and the cold air beginning to fatigue the players who gave their all for a morale boosting win.

Jessica de Bruyn Smith and Jacolene McClaren were two of the standout players for the NWU. Goalkeeper, Caitlin Grant, also made numerous important saves.

Maties’ Stephane Botha, did her reputation no harm with a player of the match performance in this tightly fought contest. The NWU have not had the rub of the green against Maties and they will be delighted to finally get the win on their blue turf.