Scorpions Hockey Team

City Park hosted the hockey teams of Strathmore University and United States International University (USIU) in the final match of the year in the National Women’s Hockey League, in what promised to be an exciting and competitive match.

Despite the looming darkening clouds that were threatening to burst, the sun held out long enough for the match to kick off on time with Strathmore winning the toss to start the game. The first few minutes of the first half were characterized by careful play from both teams; decisive passing, little aggressiveness and generally a slow pace. However, it only took Strathmore 16 minutes to up the tempo with a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it goal from Lillian Aura.

This definitely changed the pace of the game as both teams got more aggressive with their play; Strathmore came out on top by retaining good possession throughout. As expected, there were a fair share of fouls; namely two short corners for Strathmore and one for USIU. The Scorpions undoubtedly stamped their mark on the first half with a decisive goal from Miriam Oundo at the 29th minute! The scoreboard now boasted Strathmore 2 – USIU 0.

With both teams looking to capitalize on each other’s mistakes, the second half began as intensely as the first half. The mood could easily be described as tense with USIU playing more defence against Strathmore’s tenacious offence. And being on the offensive paid up, as the Scorpions lit up the scoreboard with another goal from Lillian Aura barely 20 minutes in to the second half.

With little to lose, USIU got more aggressive, abandoning strategy, and this paid off when they were granted a penalty at the 30th minute of the second half, which Pauline Naise wasted no time in converting into a goal. With only about four minutes into the final whistle, the scoreboard stood in favour of Strathmore with a 3-1 lead. And just when you thought the game was over and it was time to hit the showers, Nancy Wanjiru stunned the crowd with a goal with barely one minute to end of match! The final score was 4-1 in favor of Strathmore University.

The Scorpions and their supporters were ecstatic at the brilliant close to the league championships, and celebrated the great victory. Talking to the team captain later on, she reiterated the overwhelming bliss from the performance, saying she was humbled to be part of such a dedicated team. From that show of sporting finesse, the Scorpions duly deserve three cheers and a pat on the back. GO SCORPIONS!