VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN CROWNED FIH NATIONS CUP CHAMPIONS

The Vantage Black Sticks Women have claimed the 2025 FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup title for the first time in history, defeating Ireland in a tense final that ended in a 1-1 draw before New Zealand secured the victory in a shootout. 

New Zealand set the tone of the match, applying early attacking pressure with Mezzy Surridge scoring her first international goal just six minutes into the game, assisted by Anna Willocks, to give the Kiwis a 1-0 lead. Ireland responded with an aggressive press, forcing numerous turnovers and earning themselves multiple penalty corners, but New Zealand’s defence, held firm. The first quarter ended with both sides trading chances—Olivia Shannon came close with a quick shot, only for Ireland to counter immediately, testing New Zealand’s defence before the whistle blew. 

The second quarter saw New Zealand continue to control possession, winning their first penalty corner after Emma Rainey forced an Irish defender into a foot foul. However, Ireland’s counterattack remained a threat. A promising break saw them with a clear shot at goal, only for an Irish striker to step on the ball, allowing New Zealand to regain possession. Midway through the quarter, Hannah Cotter threaded a perfect pass to Olivia Shannon, setting up a one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper, but Ayeisha McFerran in goal for the Irish came up with a crucial save. New Zealand earned another penalty corner with two minutes left, but Kaitlin Cotter’s shot was blocked, and Casey Crowley’s follow-up went just wide. 

Ireland looked more dangerous in the third quarter, winning a penalty corner and finding the back of the net—only for the goal to be disallowed due to the shot being too high. Moments later, they earned two more penalty corners, but New Zealand’s defence stopped them from equalising. The Black Sticks had a golden opportunity to double their lead when Holly Pearson found herself one-on-one with McFerran, but again the keeper denied New Zealand a second goal. 

With just four minutes remaining in the match, Ireland removed their goalkeeper for an extra attacking player in a desperate push for an equaliser. Their gamble paid off, as Katie Mullan slotted home a well-placed shot into the bottom left corner, tying the match at 1-1. 

The closing moments were frantic from both teams—New Zealand won a penalty corner just 20 seconds after conceding, but Ireland’s defence held strong. Then, with three minutes to go, Mullan was shown a yellow card, leaving Ireland a player down. In the final seconds, Holly Pearson intercepted a loose pass in a dangerous position, and Olivia Shannon took one last crack at goal but was unable to succeed, sending the match into a shootout. 

New Zealand took an early lead in the shootout with Anna Willocks and Olivia Shannon converting, while Ireland missed their first attempt. Ireland then equalised after Holly Pearson was denied, but Stephanie Dickens restored New Zealand’s lead with a clinical reverse sweep. 

With Ireland hitting the post on their next attempt, it was Hannah Cotter who sealed the win for New Zealand, her shot confirmed after a referral, sparking celebrations as the Black Sticks were crowned 2025 FIH Nations Cup champions. 

The final score was 1-1 with a 4-2 win in shootouts. 

This win does present the opportunity for the Vantage Black Sticks Women to re-enter the Pro League, a League we have been working with the FIH on the ability to participate for a few seasons, as have other nations. 

With a talented group of both experienced and new players who have been successful in Chile, our focus remains on creating a sustainable program leading up to the World Cup in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028. With recent funding announcements this is even more critical that the programme is positioned to achieve this. 

Right now, we will take the time to celebrate the success of the Vantage Black Sticks women in Chile. It is a significant milestone for our New Zealand teams as for the first time we hold both the men's and women's Nation Cup titles. 

We would also like to congratulate Holly Pearson, who played a key role throughout the tournament and was awarded Player of the Tournament for her outstanding performance.