New Delhi: Coetzee Pietie marked her return from retirement by slamming four goals as South Africa pounded Trinidad and Tobago 12-0 in a pool A match of the women's hockey competition in the 19th Commonwealth Games here on Monday.
Pietie, the 32-year-old forward and penalty corner specialist, came out of a self-imposed five-year absence from competitive hockey and showed she was none the worse for it by slotting home the goals as the South Africans ran riot at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
"Everything went to plan on Monday and it is a privilege to score a hat-trick in an international match," said Pietie, who showcased her versatility with two penalty corner conversions and as many field goals.
"I took a five-year break because I was exhausted, but I was playing in local matches. Then, my coach convinced me to return and this is my third month," she added.
Pietie began the flood of goals with two conversions in the first 10 minutes and thereafter, the Trinidadians were helpless against the South African onslaughts that were magnified by the tottering defence.
"We need to remain focused on our next match. We made too many mistakes in the defence, but we can bounce back," said a brave Trinidad skipper Patricia Wright-Alexis.
The other goal-scorers for South Africa, who led 3-0 at the break, were: Dirkie Chamberlain (3), Jennifer Wilson (2), Kathleen Taylor, Lesle Anne George and Farah Fredericks.
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