USA VICTORIOUS IN SUMMER OF HOCKEY OPENER

The 2026 Women’s Summer of Hockey got underway in Dunedin with the Vantage Black Sticks facing the United States in their first test match since Oceania Cup success, where the team claimed gold and secured qualification for the 2026 FIH World Cup. With USA having won the previous three encounters between the sides, the opening match carried extra edge as the Vantage Black Sticks looked to start the new year strongly on home soil.

The first quarter delivered exactly that intensity. USA began aggressively, earning three early penalty corners, but the Vantage Black Sticks’ defence stood firm. Hope Ralph was outstanding as the first runner, shutting down the opening two attempts, while 2025 FIH Goalkeeper of the Year Grace O’Hanlon produced a superb save on the third, pushing the ball wide to keep the score level at 0–0.

The fierce contest continued in the second quarter, with both teams trading attacking momentum. The breakthrough came from a well-executed Vantage Black Sticks penalty corner variation, worked from the top of the circle to injector Hannah Cotter, who calmly pushed the ball past the goalkeeper to give her side a 1–0 lead heading into halftime.

The second half remained evenly poised, but USA found their way back into the match after being awarded a penalty stroke. O’Hanlon read the attempt well and got a foot to the ball, but it slipped through, levelling the score at 1–1 going into the final quarter.

USA continued to apply pressure in the fourth quarter, while the Vantage Black Sticks created chances of their own, including penalty corners that just failed to convert. The decisive moment came in the 53rd minute when USA scored a field goal to take a 2–1 lead, a margin that held through to the final whistle.

Overall, USA generated more circle entries and scoring opportunities and were able to convert when it mattered most, taking the opening points of the tournament. With Japan defeating New Zealand A 4–2 earlier in the day, Japan sit atop the ladder, followed by USA, the Vantage Black Sticks, and New Zealand A.

The match also marked a significant milestone for Kaitlin Cotter, who earned her 50th international cap for the Vantage Black Sticks. A deserved achievement in an impressive career that still has plenty ahead.

New Zealand Goal Scorers: 

23’ Hannah Cotter – Penalty Corner Goal