HOST NATION DEFEATED BY THE VANTAGE BLACK STICKS IN TOURNAMENT OPENER
The Vantage Black Sticks women opened their Changzhou Invitational Tournament campaign with a thrilling shootout victory over hosts China A, following a 2–2 draw in regulation time.
The match began after a vibrant opening ceremony showcasing local culture, art, and music, setting the stage for an exciting tournament. Both sides started strongly, creating early opportunities in a fast-paced opening quarter. China A held a slight edge, generating more attacking chances and earning a penalty corner, but the Vantage Black Sticks defence stood firm to keep the score level at 0–0 heading into the second quarter.
China A broke the deadlock early in the second quarter with a scrappy goal from a baseline scramble that found its way past goalkeeper Julia Gluyas. The Vantage Black Sticks responded well, building pressure and earning penalty corners, though Riana Pho’s flicks were well defended. The breakthrough came through a sharp turnover deep in China’s half, with Hannah Cotter and Olivia Shannon combining on a quick counterattack, finished calmly by Shannon to level the scores at 1–1 going into halftime.
The third quarter remained tightly contested. Emma Findlay came close with a well-struck reverse shot that forced an excellent save from the Chinese goalkeeper. However, China A regained the lead after converting a penalty corner, edging ahead 2–1 heading into the final quarter.
The Vantage Black Sticks showed composure under pressure in the closing stages. With less than five minutes remaining, they earned a crucial penalty corner and executed a well-worked variation. The ball was played back to the injector then delivered a precise pass across goal, where Hannah Cotter slid in to deflect and level the match at 2–2.
China A pushed hard in the final minutes, but the Vantage Black Sticks defence held strong, highlighted by an outstanding one-on-one save from Julia Gluyas to deny a late winner and send the match to a shootout.
Under tournament rules, all drawn matches proceed to a shootout, and the Vantage Black Sticks delivered under pressure. Olivia Shannon, Hannah Cotter, Emma Findlay, and Mezzy Surridge all converted their attempts, while Grace O’Hanlon produced two massive saves to secure a 4–3 shootout win.
Grace O'Hanlon awarded player of the match by tournament organisers for her efforts in goal.
The result gives the Vantage Black Sticks a winning start to the tournament, taking both the points and momentum into their next match against Argentina, scheduled for 9:00pm NZT. Fans can catch the action live on Hockey TV.
New Zealand Goal Scorers:
25’ Olivia Shannon – Field Goal
55’ Hannah Cotter – Penalty Corner Goal