The Black Sticks have levelled their hockey series against the United States at 2-2 after a 1-0 win in game five in Wairarapa.
Co-captain Anita Punt scored in the fourth quarter to give the New Zealanders the win.
Defender Brooke Neal said the victory was crucial.
"It was definitely a game that was a must-win, obviously to try and get back in the series, and so it's a great effort by the girls and definitely an improvement on the last two games."
Tomorrow's sixth and final test will also be played in Wairarapa.
