China 4
New Zealand 2
The Black Sticks women have ended their five-match series against highly ranked Argentina and China with another loss.
Chasing their first result of the series in the second test against China in Pukekohe last night, New Zealand went down after losing the first match 3-2 in Hamilton 24 hours earlier.
The Black Sticks also lost three matches against world No 2 Argentina.
Unlike the first China game when they began slowly, New Zealand took the game to the visitors last night, but China scored against the run of play, Yibo Ma finding the goal with a well-executed drag flick after 12 minutes.
New Zealand's inability to convert from set play again cost them dearly. With their preferred drag flick exponent Clarissa Eshuis sitting out, Kate Saunders went closest.
It was disappointing for the New Zealanders, who had the most penalty corners and shots on goal, but Jiahui Liao scored from open play in the last minute of the half to make it 2-0.
It was especially disheartening for goalkeeper Sally Rutherford on debut, as she did nothing wrong but had no chance with either goal.
China wasted no time in stretching their lead to 3-0 in the opening minute of the second half when Ma scored with another drag flick from her team's second penalty corner.
New Zealand were rewarded for their efforts when, from a penalty corner, Saunders had a direct hit which Krystal Forgesson touched home.
They were given further hope in the 53rd minute when a strong hit into the goal circle was touched on by Gemma Flynn and Charlotte Harrison was on hand to score from the rebound for 3-2.
But their hopes of a deserved draw were dashed late in the game when Yudiao Zhao scored in a counter-attack.
