The Black Sticks women have won 4-1 against Canada tonight in their first of three tests at the Whangarei ITM Hockey Centre.
North Harbour's Petrea Webster scored in the sixth minute and got the Black Sticks off to a good start, but eight minutes later Canadian Karli Johansen scored from a penalty corner to tie it up and keep the visitors very much in the game.
The Kiwis held the majority of the possession in the second quarter and debutante Kirsten Pearce was all smiles when she slipped it passed keeper Kaitlyn Williams just before half time. In the second spell, it continued to go the Kiwis way with Canterbury's Olivia Merry finding the back of the net to take it to 3-1.
The Black Sticks were awarded at least five penalty corners throughout the game but were unable to convert until 40 seconds before full time when Northland's Brooke Neal converted and sealed a first game win.
Northland's National Hockey League coach Angeline Waetford and Hager both made a presentation to local star Ella Gunson who played her 100th international tonight. It was also a special night for Canterbury's midfielder Rachel McCann who joined Pearce on debut.
