USA RAIN ON VANTAGE BLACK STICKS GOLD MEDAL CHANCES

The Vantage Black Sticks faced the United States in the gold medal match of the Summer of Hockey, with both teams finishing first and second on the ladder heading into finals day. Playing on home soil, the Vantage Black Sticks were looking to finish the tournament strong and kickstart their 2026 World Cup preparations.

The opening quarter was evenly contested, with both sides testing each other early. The best chance of the quarter fell to the Vantage Black Sticks after earning a penalty stroke. Olivia Shannon stepped up and fired low to the left, but USA goalkeeper Kelsey Bing read it well and made a strong save to deny an early breakthrough. The quarter finished scoreless in what was an intense and physical start.

The second quarter continued in a similar fashion, with little separating the two teams. However, just before halftime, the United States struck. A deep outlet from their defensive half saw them work the ball down the left side and along the baseline, before a pass across goal was neatly deflected past Julia Gluyas. The United States took a 0–1 lead into the break.

The Vantage Black Sticks responded strongly in the third quarter, defending well while continuing to push forward. Their persistence paid off when Hannah Cotter produced a stunning reverse-stick shot, lifting the ball into the top-right corner to beat the USA goalkeeper and level the match. Unfortunately, the United States responded quickly, crashing the ball into the circle where an unmarked player at the back post finished clinically to regain the lead, making it 1–2 heading into the final quarter.

The Vantage Black Sticks threw everything at the contest in the final period. Mezzy Surridge led a rapid counterattack and fired the ball into the circle where Britt Wang deflected it into the goal, sparking celebrations but after discussion, the umpires overturned the decision, ruling a back stick in the build-up. The Vantage Black Sticks continued to press, earning late chances including penalty corners and field goal opportunities. With minutes remaining, the goalkeeper was taken off to create an extra-player advantage, but despite sustained pressure, the USA defence stood firm.

The United States held on to claim a 1–2 win and secure the Summer of Hockey gold medal.

Earlier in the day, New Zealand A produced a standout performance, defeating Japan 1–0 to claim the bronze medal. After not recording a win in the round matches, New Zealand A’s ability to knock off an international side in the playoff was an outstanding achievement and a fantastic result for the programme.

A strong Summer of Hockey comes to a close, with valuable performances, depth on display, and plenty to build on heading into 2026.

A special thank you all our partners to make this event come to life, Dunedin City Council, Otago Charitable Trust, Air and Rescue and Otago Hockey.

New Zealand Goal Scorers:

32’ Hannah Cotter – Field Goal