Hannah stars as Hockeyroos power into quarters

Redcliffe Hockey Club’s Hannah Cullum-Sanders has played a starring role in Australia’s drive to tomorrow's quarter-finals of the FIH Women’s World Cup.

The 18-year-old forward was named player of the match, pictured above, as the Hockeyroos beat South Africa 2-1 in Terrassa – about 30kms from Barcelona - last week.

It was their third win from three games, secured top spot in Pool D and booked a quarter-final clash against hosts Spain early on Thursday morning (5.30am AEST).

'Surprised'

Cullum-Sanders won a penalty stroke early in the third quarter after being impeded in the attacking circle, but the shot was missed.

“I was definitely surprised (to win the Player of the Match) as a handful of the girls played amazingly well,” Cullum-Sanders said.

“But I am extremely grateful to have received it.

Action pictures - click through

'Really special'

“Being able to play with this group of girls, at a tournament I was watching from home four years ago, is really special to me.”

“There is a lot of gratitude and unity throughout the group. Stepping out on the pitch (for the quarter-final) will be special because we have a lot to play for.”

Australia, ranked three in the world behind Netherlands and Argentina, face a Spain team, ranked five in the world, which was runner-up in Pool C.

Taylor called-up

Argentina, who pipped Spain, face England; Netherland play Belgium and New Zealand take on Germany in the other quarters.

Former Redcliffe junior Renee Taylor has been drafted into Australia’s squad for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Taylor, who played in the Tokyo Olympics last year, was called-up as one of two replacements for co-captain Brooke Peris and midfielder Courtney Schonell.

Both suffered injuries at the FIH Women’s World Cup and will miss the Games.