Locally-led United States field hockey qualifies for Olympics with comeback win over Japan; Sessa named Player of Match

The United States women’s field hockey team is going back to the Olympics.

The Americans clinched a spot in the 12-team tournament in Paris this summer by defeating Japan 2-1 in the semifinals of a FIH Olympic Qualifier tournament on Thursday in Ranchi, India.

With the victory, the U.S. secured one of three qualification spots from the last-chance qualifier and earned a measure of redemption after missing out on the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Japan took the lead on a goal by Amiru Shimada in the 38th minute before the Americans came to life with two goals in a three-minute span, both from penalty corners, to prevail.

Ashley Hoffman, the Mohnton native and Twin Valley graduate, delivered the tying goal in the 52nd minute. She received the corner insert from Ashley Sessa, of Schwenksville, and swept her shot from the top of the circle past Japan goalie Eika Nakamura.

Three minutes later, Sessa went back to Hoffman on another penalty corner. Nakamura made the save from the ground and rebounded the ball to her right. Abby Tamer (Dexter, Mich.) collected the ball and blasted to the near post for the game-winner.

Sessa was named Player of the Match. The 19-year-old grew up in the Spring-Ford school district and graduated from Episcopal Academy. Currently taking an Olympic redshirt year from college, Sessa will attend Northwestern in the fall after transferring from North Carolina.

The southeastern Pa. connections on the USA team are plentiful. In addition to Hoffman and Sessa, the roster features fellow Berks natives Kelee Lepage (Twin Valley) and Hamburg graduate Karlie (Heistand) Kisha, plus Kutztown University graduate Meredith Sholder (Emmaus).

The U.S., ranked 12th in the world, is 4-0 in the tournament, beating three higher-ranked teams in No. 6 Indi, No. 11 New Zealand and No. 9 Japan.
The U.S. will take on No. 5 in the final of the FIH Olympic Qualifer at 9 a.m., Friday.

Last cycle, the Americans missed qualification after losing to India 6-5 in a two-game series.

It will be the first Olympic participation for any current member of the USWNT. The Olympic roster will include 16 players and three alternatives, which will be named at a later date.