Naomi Evans' striking power has kept the Canberra Chill's finals dream alive as Ian Rutledge's side eye a top-four finish in the inaugural Hockey One season.
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Evans struck two goals to help Canberra survive a see-sawing second half and secure a gruelling 2-1 win over the Tassie Tigers at Lyneham Hockey Centre on Sunday.
The outright victory sets up a do-or-die clash with the Adelaide Fire next week, after the Chill leapfrogged the South Australians to third on the ladder with one round remaining.
"It'll be a tough match. We've been playing some good hockey but in saying that, Adelaide will be thinking the same thing," Rutledge said.
"We have a week to prepare and be aware of their strengths and weaknesses. We need to make sure we have an understanding of what Adelaide are doing for a crucial game."
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Tasmania broke the deadlock in the second quarter when Lauren Canning flicked the ball past Sakiyo Asano to score the Tigers' first goal of the season.
But the Chill came firing back with two points of their own after Naomi Evans scored a field goal on the halftime siren and converted it to give Canberra a 2-1 lead.
British international Beckie Middleton struck the ball towards goal for Evans to get a slight touch and push it past goalkeeper Ruby-Rose Gibson-Haywood.
"Naomi is a crucial part of the forward line," Rutledge said.
"She's experienced and an extremely talented striker. She's dangerous and defenders can't take her for granted. She's always going to pop up somewhere and press for goal."
Meanwhile, Canberra's men's side have been knocked out of finals contention after suffering a 6-2 defeat to the Tigers.
HOCKEY ONE - ROUND 5
Women: CANBERRA CHILL 2 bt TASSIE TIGERS 1.
Men: TASSIE TIGERS 6 bt CANBERRA CHILL 2.