The New Zealand women's hockey team have beaten the United States 1-nil in the Wairarapa to tie their six test series two-all.
Anita Punt is challenged Photo: PHOTOSPORT
It was co-captain Anita Punt who got the Black Sticks on the scoreboard in the 47th minute, with her side managing to defend the counter-attack from the USA in the final minutes of the game.
New Zealand coach Mark Hager says his team played well in the first two quarters, but lost structure in the third.
"Our nemesis at the moment is scoring goals. It takes time at this level to get used to the pressure [and] to realise how quickly you have to shoot," said Hager.
With a number of senior Black Sticks unavailable for this series, there have been eight changes to the Kiwi side since the Commonwealth Games with only three changes to the American side since placing fourth at the World Cup in June.
The deciding match is tomorrow at the same venue in Clareville.
