The Black Sticks women's team beat India 1-0 in their first game at the Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey.
The Unison Hockey Stadium at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park was packed out this afternoon for the first game in Pool B.
India ranked 13th in the world needed to defend quickly when the Black Sticks got off to a quick attacking blitz in the first quarter. Two penalty corners failed to put last year's runners up on the scoreboard.
The score remained nil all even after a penalty stroke by Black Sticks player Liz Thompson.
New Zealand scored quickly at the start of the second half, with a goal to Olivia Merry.
More shots at goal by the Black Sticks were kept out of the box and another penalty corner for New Zealand missed as well.
India were forced to defend for most of the first half, with the Black Sticks keeping them out of their attacking circle for most of the first two quarters.
The score at half time remained at New Zealand 1 - India 0.
An early green card in the third quarter for India #16 player Vandana Katariya put the pressure on, with India down to 10 players.
New Zealand's own green card in the third quarter evened up the numbers.
Another penalty corner to New Zealand was kept out of the goal - leaving the score still at New Zealand 1 - India 0.
The last quarter saw six shots at goal for New Zealand which never eventuated into points.
India's defence remaining solid during the last penalty corner by the Black Sticks.
Half time score
New Zealand - 1
India - 0
Final score
New Zealand - 1 (Olivia Merry)
India - 0
