American and Caribbean Games (CAC) with visions of a medal.

A 24 member squad was recently announced and has commenced training in preparation for the Games to be held on the island of Puerto Rico in November.

Charged with the duty of getting the women in shape for this competition is coach Nigel Pichery of Trinidad.

Originally selected to prepare the side for a tour of California which fell through last year, Pichery has once again been called upon and feels that the current group has all the trappings of a legitimate contender.

"I've had a meeting already with the team and told them that I think they should come away with a medal,'' said Pichery, a former Trinidadian international and member of the country's gold medal-winning team at the 1990 Caribbean Men's Hockey Championships in Guyana. "From what I've seen since coming to the Island they have all the things they (the other Caribbean nations) have.'' An added advantage is the fact that with the exception of three players, all those in the current squad have had previous experience with regards the CAC games, having been members in 1990 when Bermuda finished fifth.

However, this team is far from being old and to that end a number of individuals from the Under 21 squad, which placed third in their pool at the Montreal Cup last summer, have been included.

Helen Farrington, Marcia Ford, Monique Hill, Janice Maughn and Ingrid Pitt are part of the youthful base around which the future has been set.

"I'm trying to get the youngsters involved as that is where the future lies,'' said Pichery. "We also have a few players studying abroad so hopefully the squad will swell to maybe 28 or 29 when I get those invitations out.'' With eight months to prepare the coach will be placing emphasis on better physical and mental preparation, the latter of which he felt may have let them down during their last foray into the competition.

He stressed the need for full commitment, pointing out that the leading rival countries have a continuous national programme in effect year round.

Still he said that once the players adapt to his methods there is no reason not to expect success.

"The skill is there, they have experience and knowledge of the game and there is strong leadership with players like Joanne Wilson, Rhonda Rawlins and Stacey DeShield, who are all good role models and all round players which others look up to.

"With regards to the system they need to understand and feel comfortable with it. They have the drive and will to win and I hope to be able to enhance their strong points and strengthen the weak points before they get there (Puerto Rico).'' Cuba, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago are the main countries Pichery is concerned about, all having performed well at the 1990 Games. He also noted Barbados as formidable challengers.

As opposed to Bermuda where matches are played on grass at the National Sports Club, astroturf is the prescribed surface at the CAC Games.

This will probably mean a few practice matches in order for the local ladies to come to grips with the increased pace and Pichery is hopeful of Bermuda playing in at least two warm-up competitions.

Bermuda squad: Kirsten Butterworth, Rosemary Daniels, Stacey DeShield, Lisa DeSilva, Siona Doe, Gina Evans, Helen Farrington, Marcia Ford, Monique Hill, Edna Joell, Janice Maughn, Tracey McPhee, Lori Morris, Andrea Mullin, Maria Pichery, Ingrid Pitt, Bettea Pringle, Donna Rawlins, Lisa Ann Rawlins, Rhonda Rawlins, Brenda Smith, Gail Symonds, Edna Mae Tuzo, Joanne Wilson. Coach: Nigel Pichery.

GAMES GOAL - Edna Joell (right) and the rest of the Bermuda squad have high hopes for the next CAC Games.