Hockey: Drysdale dropped from US tournament

Manawatu midfielder Tara Drysdale has lost her place in the New Zealand women's team for July's Champions Challenge tournament in the United States.

"I'm sure she is not too happy at being left out," Black Sticks coach Ian Rutledge said. "But her lack of fitness showed during last month's home series against the United States.

"She has been troubled by shin splints. The good work she had done over the summer was undone in the lead-up to the United States series and she struggled to maintain her aerobic fitness.

"I'm confident that with rest and her determination to play at this level, she will be back and ready to play in the NHL."

Of the 19 who played in the 4-1 series win against the United States, only Drysdale and Waikato defender Clarissa Eshuis are missing. They remain in the 24-strong national squad.

The only newcomer is experienced Manawatu striker Moira Senior, who will relish the opportunity to push for a place in the team for next year's Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Nineteen-year-olds Kayla Sharland, Emily Naylor, Lizzie Ryan and Frances Kreft have been included.

The Black Sticks will fly out to the United States on July 2 for the July 8-16 tournament in Virginia Beach.

New Zealand's first game is against England. They will also play the United States, Japan, South Africa and Spain.

NZ team

Stacey Carr, Honor Dillon, Jo Galletly, Jane Maley, Emily Naylor, Meredith Orr, Lizzie Ryan, Kayla Sharland (Canterbury); Sheree Phillips, Moira Senior, Anita Wawatai (Manawatu); Lizzy Igasan, Jaimee Provan (North Harbour); Diana Weavers (Tauranga, vice-captain); Clarissa Eshuis (Waikato); Beth Jurgeleit, Suzie Muirhead (captain), Niniwa Roberts-Lang (Wellington).