The Black Sticks Women drew 1-1 with world champions Argentina but the New Zealanders were frustrated that they could not secure a victory on Saturday evening at the Rosvall ITM Stadium in Whangarei.
Black Sticks coach Mark Hager says that the basics need to be improved and possession needs to be held for longer periods of time if the Black Sticks want to win the next two tests in the series.
ÔÇ£Argentina will come out firing in the next couple of games, so we need to be prepared to better handle the ball under pressure and make decisions quickly to ensure we keep possession,ÔÇØ says Hager.
The Black Sticks defence held strong early on and Kayla Sharland, Ella Gunson and Sam Harrison attacked with confidence all having a shot at goal.
It was a fast counter attack from an Argentinean penalty corner that got the crowd on their feet and a point on the board for the Black Sticks.
Midlands player Cathryn Finlayson made it look easy when she had a superb solo run, taking the ball to within metres of the Argentine goalkeeper Maria Aladro, lining up the shot and slotting it home in the 22nd minute.
Argentina were determined to get back in the game, but goalkeeper Bianca Russell produced a couple of good saves in goal and Clarissa Eshuis and Jan Burrows worked hard to turn over the ball and maintain possession.
The Black Sticks worked hard to defend their lead, but in the 56th minute 24 year-old Maria D'Elia (who has 113 international caps) scored from a clever penalty corner variation.
The score was all locked up for the rest of the game with both teams determined to score. On numerous occasions co-captain Emily Naylor dived to defend the ball and turn it over, but the Black Sticks could not convert it into a goal.
The final two games will be at North Harbour Hockey Stadium at 6pm on Monday 28th March and Tuesday 29th March.
RESULTS
Full time: 1-1
Half time: 1-0 (NZ lead)
Goal scorers: Cathryn Finlayson (New Zealand), Maria D'Elia (Argentina).
SOURCE: Hockey New Zealand Media release
