LATE GOAL FLURRY NOT ENOUGH TO SECURE SERIES WIN

Charlotte, North Carolina – The Vantage Black Sticks women have fallen 5-4 to the USA in the second match of a two test series. The Kiwis had plenty of opportunity but did not get the rub of the green as the USA capitalised on their limited chances.

The opening quarter proved challenging for the Kiwis as they conceded an early goal from the USA's sole penalty corner of the quarter just five minutes in, with Ashley Hoffman converting to put the hosts ahead. 

Despite this setback, New Zealand looked the better team in terms of possession, territory, and circle entries. The Black Sticks earned four penalty corners but were unable to capitalise on these opportunities.

The second quarter saw the USA racing ahead, earning another penalty corner, with Hoffman notching her second goal. Things went from bad to worse for New Zealand when a Grace O'Hanlon save rebounded favourably for Amanda Golini, who had an open goal, extending the USA's lead. 

The Kiwis managed to peg one back with a Megan Hull shot during a penalty corner, but their attacking plays were consistently thwarted by USA keeper Kelsey Bing.

As the first half drew to a close, disaster struck for the Black Sticks. With just 30 seconds remaining, the USA added a fourth goal through Danielle Grega, who seized the opportunity after a deflection off a defender's stick sent the ball airborne into her path in front of goal.

The third quarter brought a slightly more balanced affair, but it was a day where fortune favoured the USA over New Zealand. The hosts added a fifth goal late in the quarter during a goalmouth scramble after some impressive saves from a penalty corner, with Ashley Sessa finding the net.

Despite the odds, the Black Sticks rallied in the fourth quarter, creating good chances with two penalty corners and a mistimed shot from Sam Child at an open goal. Hannah Gravenall marked her second match with her first New Zealand goal, slotting home a rebound from an Olivia Shannon shot.

Captain Olivia Merry narrowed the lead with a minute to go, flicking one in over the keeper after a well-executed baseline pass. In a last-minute surge, Merry scored again with just 10 seconds remaining, but it proved to be a consolation goal as the score concluded 5-4 to the USA.

The result leaves the Vantage Black Sticks reflecting on a match where the fine line between victory and defeat became increasingly apparent. With the missed chances and the USA's clinical finishing, the outcome could have swung differently on any other day.

As the team heads into the Olympic Qualifiers in India next month, they'll look to learn from this encounter and build on their strengths for the challenges that lie ahead.

The Black Sticks Women now play three behind-closed-doors practice matches against the USA before returning home at the end of the week.