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The Black Sticks women’s team’s start to the Four Nationals hockey tournament in their own backyard may not have been the way they would have desired. A narrow 3-4 defeat at the hands of South Korea in their opening match, a team ranked five places below them, served as a rude awakening for the Mark Hager-coached outfit.
The home side regrouped and stunned the world champions Argentina 2-1 in their second match to keep their championship hopes alive. And all they wanted was a win over the tenth ranked United States in their final league encounter.
The Black Sticks did not have to break much sweat in their last league tie as they trounced the United States 5-0 in Whangarei to set up a summit showdown with South Korea, who consigned Olympic silver medalists Argentina to their second shocking defeat pipping them 4-3.
New Zealand eves exercised caution in the first stanza against the United States, who also showed a lot of good spirit in their defence.
The hosts forged ahead when Sian Fremaux sounded the board – her second goal of the tournament – as they went into half-time with a solitary goal lead.
United States needed an early goal in the second half to stay in the contest. But the Black Sticks had other plans in store. Talented Anita Punt, who is a proficient sprinter as well, doubled the lead to further push the United States on the backfoot.
Krystal Forgesson scored the insurance goal for the Black Sticks as the United States seemed resigned to their fate.
Experienced Kayla Sharland, who is staging a comeback to the national team after taking a long break after the 2012 London Olympics, made it 4-0.
Petrea Webster made the United States’ cup of full when she racked up the fifth goal to go into the Sunday’s final clash high on confidence.
New Zealand eves would be looking to exact sweet revenge against South Korea for their opening day reverse.
Earlier, South Korea sealed their berth in the final, sneaking past powerhouse Argentina 4-3.
It may be mentioned here that the Four-Nations Tournament is a double-leg affair. The second leg would be held in Hamilton and Tauranga from April 17 to 21.
It may be worth recalling that the Black Sticks played a five Test series in Argentina recently, which they lost 1-2, winning one game, losing two matches and drawing two games.
Argentina will now play the USA in the third place play-off tie.
