After a difficult start to the new season, Stirling Ladies Hockey have undergone a remarkable turnaround and put themselves back into contention.
The preparations for a new season are usually a cause of great anxiety. With hockey the mood among the first team’s stress peaked before mid-summer break as a series of losses appeared to put them out of the race for a title challenge.
However, the return in October has seen the team transformed. In their first cup game against RGU they achieved and emphatic 4-0 victory, remarkable considering they had struggled in a 2-2 draw the last time they met RGU. The success against university opposition has kept up momentum in recent weeks. Back to back wins against St Andrews and Glasgow Caledonian with nine goals scored and none conceded.
Besides university opposition Stirling have given several nationally ranked sides a serious scare. Hillhead hockey club, who currently top the Scottish National League, had to fight hard to prevent defeat and settle for a 2-2 draw.
Vice-captain Lynsey Waddell has attributed the revitalization of the team to commitment and adaptability. The methods of training have been molded to promote enthusiasm while emphasizing fundamental skills. Most importantly the main core of players have been willing to put in even more effort by attending strength and conditioning sessions, and allocating extra sessions on the Fridays before the games on Saturday.
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