VANTAGE BLACK STICKS LOCK IN THEIR HOME SEMI-FINAL MATCH

Day two of the 2026 FIH Women's Nations Cup delivered another exciting contest at North Harbour National Hockey Centre, with the Vantage Black Sticks Women coming from behind to defeat Chile 3-2 and secure their place in the semi-finals.

Chile struck first in the opening quarter, taking a 1-0 lead into the first break. The Vantage Black Sticks created chances of their own, including an early opportunity for Paige Blake, but couldn't find the equaliser.

The second quarter belonged largely to New Zealand, with the Vantage Black Sticks controlling territory and creating multiple circle entries. Chile's defence stood firm, but goalkeeper Grace O'Hanlon ensured the deficit stayed at one goal heading into halftime with a series of outstanding saves, including several penalty corner stops and a crucial one-on-one save.

The Vantage Black Sticks finally broke through early in the third quarter. After Kaitlin Cotter's drag flick earned a penalty stroke, captain Olivia Shannon calmly converted to level the scores at 1-1.

The goal sparked the Vantage Black Sticks into life. Shannon helped create another penalty corner opportunity, and after a reset on the set piece, Holly Pearson scored a beautiful penalty corner deflection which fired New Zealand into the lead.

Chile responded quickly to make it 2-2, setting up an exciting final quarter.

The decisive moment came with five minutes remaining. After Chile were reduced to 10 players following a yellow card, the Vantage Black Sticks capitalised through Josephine Murray, who finished clinically from a penalty corner breakdown pouncing on a loose ball to put New Zealand ahead 3-2.

The defence held firm in the closing stages as the Vantage Black Sticks secured a second straight victory and officially booked their place in the Nations Cup semi-finals.

Two wins from two matches is the perfect start for the defending champions, who continue to build momentum in front of their home fans as they chase back-to-back Nations Cup titles.

The Vantage Black Sticks Women are back in action on Thursday 18 June when they take on France at 6:00pm NZT at North Harbour National Hockey Centre in their last round-robin match.

New Zealand Goal Scorers:

32' Olivia Shannon - Penalty Stroke Goal

37' Holly Pearson - Penalty Corner Goal

56' Josephine Murray - Penalty Corner Goal