CHULA VISTA, CA - The USA Field Hockey Women's National Team defeated Mexico today, 7-0, to open competition at the AtaHolding Women's World Cup Qualifier at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, CA. The winner of the Qualifier receives a berth in the Women's World Cup in Rosario, Argentina this September.

The USA put on a dominant offensive performance, as seven different players scoring for the Americans. The result puts the USA at the top of the tournament standings after one day of competition.

"We're happy to get the win," said Head Coach Lee Bodimeade. "We didn't get much opportunity to see Mexico before the tournament, but obviously we're pleased with the result."

"We wanted to get out and put an impression on Mexico," said team captain Carrie Lingo. "We were very excited to finally get the tournament started and every stepped up."

Lingo set the pace for the USA, with a field goal in the third minute. Katie Evans followed with a goal in the 11^th, and Michelle Kasold snatched a misplayed ball from Mexican goalkeeper Jesus Castillo Marin for a gal in the 15^th minute.

"Right now, we're focusing on handling the ball," said Bodimeade. "We're looking at finishing on the front end and defending at the back end."

Rachel Dawson opened the scoring in the second half with a penalty corner rebound. Caroline Nichols buried a penalty stroke in the 54^th, and Sara Silvetti and Katie O'Donnell each added a goal to complete the scoring for the USA.  

"We had a nice rotation of players," said Bodimeade. When nine penalty corners awarded to the USA resulted in only one goal, Bodimeade smiled and said, "It sounds like there were some missed opportunities for some players to have two goals."

Mexico had few attacking opportunities and U.S. goalkeeper Amy Tran saw limited action in the backfield. For her part, Mexican goalkeeper Marin made several great saves to limit the USA goals to single digits.

The USA will face France tomorrow, Saturday, March 27 at 2:45pm Pacific. France lost to Korea earlier today, 4-0.

Six of the world's top field hockey nations have traveled to San Diego for a chance to play in one of the world's top international competitions. Playing on their home field, the USA Women’s Olympic Field Hockey Team welcomes traditional Pan American rivals Canada and Mexico, as well as Belgium, France and Korea. The tournament champion will head to the BDO FIH 2010 Women’s World Cup Rosario, Argentina in September. USA Field Hockey, the national governing body for field hockey in the United States, will host the Qualifier.

Tickets to all games are now available. The AtaHolding Women’s World Cup Qualifier features 18 matches over six days of competition. Competition days feature three matches per day.  Additional ticket promotions are also available, including discounts for military personnel.

For more information on the 2010 AtaHolding Women’s World Cup Qualifier, visit www.usafieldhockey.com/worldcupqualifier.