WOMEN FINISH TOP OF POOL UNDEFEATED TO FACE USA IN SEMI-FINAL

The Vantage Black Sticks Women continued their winning run at the 2026 FIH Women’s Nations Cup with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over France at North Harbour National Hockey Centre.

After a scoreless opening quarter, New Zealand broke the deadlock in the second through Kaitlin Cotter, who fired home her second goal of the tournament from a penalty corner.

France responded quickly after halftime, scoring an equaliser early in the third quarter to set up a tense finish.

With the match locked at 1-1 heading into the final quarter, both teams pushed for a winner. The decisive moment came with just three minutes remaining when Paige Blake got the final touch from a penalty corner variation, deflecting the ball past the French goalkeeper to seal the victory.

The win means the Vantage Black Sticks Women finish pool play unbeaten and head into the semi-finals full of confidence.

It was also a special occasion for Casey Crowley, who brought up her 50th international cap for the Vantage Black Sticks. The milestone is a testament to her consistency and commitment to the black shirt, and she celebrated the occasion in the best possible way with a hard-fought victory.

New Zealand will now face the USA in the semi-final on Saturday 20 June at 6:30pm NZT at North Harbour National Hockey Centre.

New Zealand Goal Scorers:

26' Kaitlin Cotter - Penalty Corner Goal

57' Paige Blake - Penalty Corner Goal