Charlotte, North Carolina – In a nail-biting encounter, the Vantage Black Sticks women secured a hard-fought victory against the USA in their first test match of the 23/24 season, winning 4-3 in a match that showcased the work the team has put in during the offseason. The win is a positive sign as both teams are set to face off again in the Olympic Qualifiers in India this coming January.
The game kicked off with a balanced start, but it was the USA who 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 USA. Undeterred, 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 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, the 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.
The USA’s resurgence continued as they 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 tomorrow at 8am NZT.
