The New Zealand women's hockey team overcame two yellow cards to beat the USA 3-2 in their latest game at the Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey.
It is their first win of the tournament.
Kelsey Smith is congratulated by Kirsten Pearce after scoring for the Black Sticks. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The USA were first on the score sheet in the 11th minute when Erin Matson pounced on a loose ball and struck it home for a 1-0 lead.
Just a minute later the Black Sticks were back on level terms courtesy of a well-worked Amy Robinson field goal.
The Black Sticks continued to mount pressure and were rewarded in the 25th minute when Sam Harrison scored to open a 2-1 lead at the halftime break.
New Zealand continued to dominate the early stages of the second spell and had further reward when Kelsey Smith made it 3-1 in the 35th minute.
Following two yellow cards to the Black Sticks, USA pressed hard with the numerical advantage pulled one goal back through an Ashley Hoffman goal on the back of a number of penalty corners in quick succession.
At 3-2 the USA put the Black Sticks goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon under pressure but their defence held firm to record their first win at the tournament.
Japan tops the standings with two wins and a loss, Australia has a win and two draws while the Black Sticks are back in the hunt with a win, a draw and a loss. The USA rounds out the table with just a draw from their three matches.
The four sides play another series of round robin games with the top two teams then meeting in the final on Sunday.
