The Black Sticks Women were not convincing in their game tonight in Whangarei, but thanks to good defense and some exceptional saves from goalkeeper Sally Rutherford, the Black Sticks have won the third test 2-1 against Korea.
ÔÇ£The game was a big improvement on Tuesday night's performance, we were much better at holding possession but we need to be more consistent. It was a disappointing last ten minutes which allowed Korea back into the game,ÔÇØ says Black Sticks coach Mark Hager.
In the 16th minute, from a penalty corner breakdown, Northlander Stacey Michelsen got the rebound off the keeper and reverse hit the ball into the goal scoring for the Black Sticks.
Throughout the game Korea showed skill, especially through the midfield, but they struggled to get it past the New Zealand defense and convert their hard work into goals.
Anita Punt scored the second goal for New Zealand later in the second half with a direct hit at goal from a penalty corner.
The Korean attack eventually paid off with a hard hit coming from outside the circle which was deflected by Mi Young Eum into the goal giving Black Sticks goalkeeper Sally Rutherford no chance of saving it.
The fourth and fifth games in the series will be played this weekend at Lloyd Elsmore Park in Pakuranga.
Source: Hockey New Zealand
