Black Sticks Women edge United States for nailbiting first win of international hockey season

The New Zealand Black Sticks women’s hockey team have secured a nailbiting 4-3 victory in Charlotte, North Carolina against a United States team fresh from the Pan American Games.

The victory showcased the work the team had put in during the offseason and was a positive sign as both teams are set to face off again in the Olympic Qualifiers in India in January.

New Zealand – coached by Phil Burrows – are ninth in the FIH world rankings, with the United States 15th.

The game – the first in a two-match series – kicked off with a balanced start before USA managed to break the deadlock late in the first quarter.

A well-executed pass from the baseline took an unexpected deflection off a New Zealand stick, finding its way into the goal, leaving the Black Sticks trailing.

However, the Kiwis came back with determination in the second quarter, earning a penalty corner early on, which was stoutly defended by the Americans.

New Zealand earned a further two corners and managed to level the score with a Megan Hull sweep shot that deflected into the back of the net.

The third quarter saw the Black Sticks assert their dominance. Olivia Shannon led the charge, scoring New Zealand’s second goal with a powerful shot from the top of the circle. Shannon came close to adding another just a minute later, hitting the post and maintaining the pressure on the American defence.

New Zealand’s dominance continued in the third quarter, with captain Olivia Merry converting a penalty stroke awarded for a USA body on the line during a penalty corner, giving her team a 3-1 lead.

The Black Sticks extended their advantage, again, with a well-executed penalty corner routine, as Alia Jaques capitalised on a Megan Hull pass to further solidify their position.

Despite New Zealand’s commanding lead, USA mounted a comeback in the fourth quarter. They earned their first penalty corner, converting it into a stroke when the ball took an unfortunate deflection off the keeper, Grace O’Hanlon, and struck a post defender. Elizabeth Yeager successfully converted the stroke, narrowing the gap to 4-2.

USA scored their third goal in a goalmouth scramble, with Sanne Caarls finding the back of the net.

With just five minutes remaining, tension mounted, but the Black Sticks managed the game well, securing the 4-3 victory.

The Black Sticks Women play the second match in the two-test series on Monday at 8am NZT.