Megan Hull. Photo: photosport
The Black Sticks have beaten the United States 4-3 in an encouraging performance ahead of next month's Olympic qualifying tournament.
In an exciting encounter in North Carolina, New Zealand held off the fast-finishing home side in the first of two tests.
A Megan Hull goal kept the Black Sticks level 1-1 at halftime before they took control in the third quarter.
Olivia Shannon led the charge, scoring New Zealand's second goal with a powerful shot from the top of the circle and came close to adding another when she struck the post.
Captain Olivia Merry converted a stroke awarded for a USA body on the line during a penalty corner, giving her team a 3-1 lead going into the final stanza.
The lead was stretched further when Alia Jaques capitalised on a Hull pass from a penalty corner before the US side struck back with two late goals.
The second match is on Monday morning (NZT).
Both teams are preparing for the qualiyfing tournament in Ranchi, India in mid-January when three teams will advance to next year's Paris Olympics.
