Delhi Despite their best efforts, the Indian women’s hockey team lost to a polished Australia ‘A’ squad 3-5 at the Perth Hockey Stadium in Perth on Saturday in the first game of their Australia trip.

Mahima Tete (27′), Navneet Kaur (45′), and Lalremsiami (50′) gave India the lead, but Australia ‘A’ scored with Neasa Flynn (3′), Olivia Downes (9′), Ruby Harris (11′), Tatum Stewart (21′), and Kendra Fitzpatrick (44′).

The game got off to a fast start, with Australia ‘A’ taking the lead early and ending the draw with a well crafted field goal from Neasa Flynn (3′). The home side kept up their pressure, as Olivia Downes (9′) and Ruby Harris (11′) quickly took advantage of defensive breakdowns to score two more field goals, giving them a 3-0 lead at the conclusion of the first quarter.

With constant pressure on the Indian defense, Australia ‘A’ maintained the lead into the second quarter. Tatum Stewart (21′) extended their lead to 4-0 after winning consecutive penalty corners and converting one.

India persevered in the face of the early assault, and Mahima Tete (27′) gave them a goal with a deft field goal to give them a boost as they trailed 1-4 at halftime.

Kendra Fitzpatrick (44′) scored another goal for her team to make it 5-1, rewarding Australia ‘A’ for their increased effort. When vice-captain Navneet Kaur (45′) reached the back of the net to cut the lead to 2-5, the Indian team’s counterattack was successful.

Both sides kept coming up with scoring chances in the latter quarter. Lalremsiami (50′) kept India’s chances of a comeback alive with a wonderful field goal, demonstrating their tenacity once again. The game ended with Australia A winning 5-3 after India was unable to score again despite some late pressure.

In remembrance of the innocent people killed in the horrific Pahalgam incident on April 22, the Indian women’s hockey team donned black armbands throughout the game. In observance of the victims and their families, the team has made the decision to wear black armbands for the duration of the Australia Tour.

In Sunday’s second game of the trip against Australia A, the Indian women’s hockey team will try to recover quickly.