SOFIA - The national women's U18 team played the fourth match of its World Championship campaign in Division 2 Group B in Bulgaria's capital Sofia today, January 13th. The Belgians stunted by defeating New Zealand, the provisional leader in the standings!
Camille Sommerschuh (#18) opened the scoring for the Belgians in the eighth minute. Three minutes later, the Belgians play a power play and take full advantage of it. Ans Van Hoof (#14) nets the puck into the opponent's goal. New Zealand resists and scores their first counter-goal barely a minute later. Just before the end of the period, Louise Paulissen (#17) puts the three on the scoreboard for Team Belgium.
In the second period, Nerhys Gordon (#17/NZL) closes the gap with a second goal. However, Julia Pasztaleniec (#23) puts the Belgian Blades further ahead midway through the period.
In the final period, the Belgians grab some penalty time, but the penalty killing goes flawlessly. In the 55th minute, Jirne Wagemans (#8) puts the icing on the cake with a fifth goal for the Belgians. The Belgian Blades pocket their third victory!
"This was a deserved victory," said coach Tim Vos. "We played at level today and picked up important points. Our last game against Mexico will be even more important."
Final score: 2-5 (1-3; 1-1; 0-1)
MVP Team BEL: Camille Sommerschuh (#18)
Results
08.01 – 19:00 - BEL vs. BUL: 1-0 (OT)
09.01 – 15:30 – BEL vs. ISL: 0-1
11.01 – 12:00 – BEL vs. RSA: 13-0
13.01 – 19:00 - NZL vs. BEL: 2-5
14.01 – 19:00 – MEX vs. BEL