4 Mar 2016

Draw earns Black Sticks series win

2:28 pm on 4 March 2016

The New Zealand women's hockey team Black Sticks Women have come back from two goals down to draw the sixth test 2-all, and claim an overall series win over hosts Argentina in Mar del Plata.

World number two ranked Argentina made a strong start scoring twice in the opening quarter, and held their advantage for much of the game.

But with less than four minutes to play the Black Sticks pulled one back through Kirsten Pearce before Kayla Whitelock scored a brilliant goal in the final minute to equalise.

Black Sticks captain Kayla Whitelock

Black Sticks player Kayla Whitelock. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The six test series concludes with two wins, two losses and two draws with the Black Sticks clinching the Mar del Plata Sport Cup on goal difference.

The New Zealand coach coach Mark Hager said his side showed character in continuing to fight from two goals down to eventually level the score.

"We made a poor start to the game and were a bit apprehensive, but the way we fought back was pleasing," he said.

"This trip has been a good adventure for us against a very good opponent and to be able to come away with a series win is a real positive.

"We have identified some strengths and weaknesses from these six games. We came here with some questions and feel like those have been answered."

The Black Sticks now head home to New Zealand to prepare for two tests against Canada over Easter weekend in the build-up to the Hawke's Bay Cup from 2-10 April.