An experimental-looking New Zealand women's hockey team found the USA tough opponents at the Four Nations tournament Thursday in Auckland, but the positional changes rung by coach Mark Hager are all part of the plan.
The London Olympics are the real goal of the twin tournament format, which next pits the Black Sticks against India on Saturday before a probable repeat final against Australia.
Yesterday's 3-2 win came after the Americans out-muscled the Black Sticks early on but midfielder Stacey Michelsen, is a fan of both increasing the side's versatility, and of playing so many games back to back.
