Olivia Merry. Photo: Photosport
The United States have beaten the Black Sticks women 5-4 in North Carolina to draw the two test series 1-1.
New Zealand won game one 4-3.
The Black Sticks conceded an early goal in game two with US scoring from a penalty corner through Ashley Hoffman.
The Black Sticks earned four penalty corners in the opening quarter but were unable to capitalise.
Hoffman scored again in the second quarter and 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 hosts' lead.
The Black Sticks managed to peg one back through Megan Hull, but their attacking plays were consistently thwarted by US keeper Kelsey Bing.
The US would score their fourth goal through Danielle Grega just before halftime.
The hosts added a fifth goal late in the third quarter with Ashley Sessa finding the net.
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 match ended 5-4 to the hosts.
The Black Sticks Women now play three behind-closed-doors practice matches against the USA before returning home at the end of the week ahead of Olympic Qualifiers in India next month
