SYDNEY - Terrapins Maxine Fluharty and Katie Gerzabek are both with the U.S. Junior National Team in Sydney, Australia for the Australian Youth Olympic Festival. Team USA fell to Australia, 4-2, after leading 2-1 at halftime.
"Being in this type of atmosphere is completely unreal. As an
athlete, we get a first glimpse of what it is like to compete in an Olympic
games," Gerzabek said. "Living in a village, being a part of the opening ceremonies and
competing against some of the best athletes in the world is truly amazing. I
have only been here for three days and have already met so many different people
from all over the world. The people I have met differ in many ways: sport,
country, culture, and language, yet we all share the same dream: to be an Olympian in Rio 2016."
"What a high level world-class junior tournament," Terps head coach Missy Meharg said. "Playing matches against China, Great Britain and Australia is the best preparation for Team USA as we prepare for the Junior World Cup in July in Germany. All three opponents are in the top 5 in the world so the experience for our team and each player is invaluable preparation. Maxine and Katie have been involved in world-level tournaments since being members of the USA Under-16 national team. On behalf of Maryland Athletics and hockey fans in College Park, we are proud of their continued growth in the game of hockey and on the world stage. Good luck!"
The duo and Team USA will compete in the Hockey Centre in Sydney's Olympic Park. Team USA's schedule is below. For Team USA's full schedule and results, log on to http://www.teamusa.org/USA-Field-Hockey/EVENTS/2013/January/16/Australian-Youth-Olympic-Festival.aspx. For the official tournament website and information, please visit ayof2013.olympics.com.au.January 16
7:00 p.m. ET (Jan. 15) vs. China (L, 2-5)
January 17
1:00 a.m. ET vs. Australia (L, 2-4)
January 19
5:00 p.m. ET (Jan. 18) vs. Great Britain
January 20
4:00 p.m. ET (Jan. 19) Bronze Medal Match
4:30 p.m. ET (Jan. 19) Gold Medal Match
NOTE: Time difference from Sydney to eastern time is 16 hours. Times above are eastern times and dates in parentheses are the date in U.S.)
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