The Women began their FIH Nations Cup campaign today, securing their first win against Korea 5-4.
Playing in scorching 33-degree heat, the match marked the first meeting between the two sides in eight years, with Korea having won the previous match.
Korea took control at the start of the opening quarter, scoring the game’s first goal within 5 minutes, but New Zealand responded quickly with a remarkable diving deflection by Anna Willocks, and it was game on.
The second quarter saw Korea break away and regain their lead with 2 goals, one from a penalty corner drag flick and the other a stroke. However, New Zealand fought back, with Emma Rainey sneaking a deflection past the goalie just before half-time to bring the score to 3-2.
The start of the third quarter saw New Zealand playing catch-up again with an unconverted penalty corner and a cracker reverse shot from Paige Blake which was saved by the Korean goalie. With five minutes remaining in Q3, another stroke was awarded to Korea, which they successfully converted to lead 4-2. The Kiwi side wouldn’t let them go though, and Holly Pearson found the goal with another tidy deflection from a penalty corner, bringing New Zealand back into the game making it 4-3.
Tensions were high in the final quarter as New Zealand fought to equalize. New Zealand leveled the score off a PC with a brilliant drag flick by Riana Pho with just over five minutes to go. Korea appeared rattled, and with that another penalty corner was awarded, this time, Hannah Cotter grabbing the deflection with the goal unfortunately not awarded as the ball didn’t leave the circle. With minutes to go and the score remaining four each, New Zealand was awarded a stroke, which Holly Pearson fired low to have the final say, securing the lead and overall win of the match.
The Vantage Black Sticks Women now have a day off before they take on Ireland at 9 am NZT on Wednesday.
New Zealand
