Welcome to Waikato

Samantha Mewis and Hayley Brock make some new friends.

The U.S. team attended a Welcome Reception with the other three teams in the Group C at the Waikato Museum this afternoon and it was an excellent event. Waikato is the name of the region of which Hamilton is the hub, as well as the longest river in New Zealand that runs through the city. It is also the name of the stadium where the U.S. will play its first two matches.

The reception was highlighted by a performance from a Maori dance group which showed the players a bit of the famous Haka, but the U.S. team also mingled with the other countries, had some tasty finger food (Salmon skewers, fruit with chocolate fondue and sushi), received small gifts and were welcomed by the deputy major of Hamilton. The casual yet warm reception lasted only about an hour, giving the players time to get back to the hotel for dinner and watch the opening game of the tournament on TV.

The USA and Japanese players pose for a pic.