Hockey: Black Sticks women draw with USA

The Black Sticks Women have drawn 3-3 with hosts USA at the three nations tournament in San Diego today. Photo / Getty Images.

The Black Sticks Women have drawn 3-3 with hosts USA at the three nations tournament in San Diego today.

After starting on the back foot and down 0-1 at halftime, the Kiwis put together a strong second half comeback to secure a draw.

The Black Sticks had a goalless first half but opened their account early in the second period through a Gemma Flynn field goal.

USA put the game in doubt by scoring two unanswered goals before a late charge saw the Black Sticks level the scores with an Anita Punt field goal and a penalty corner shot from Sian Fremaux.

The Black Sticks had an opportunity to steal the win right on fulltime but the USA side just managed to hold on in defence.

Veteran midfielder Emily Naylor said her side lost concentration several times throughout the game, but that it was pleasing to be able to power back for a draw.

"We had some lapses with our basics and at times we tried to force the play too much today," she said.

"We managed to put on a great fight back to draw level and I though the girls showed some real determination in doing that."

Stand out performers for the Black Sticks today were Naylor and captain Kayla Whitelock.

The Black Sticks have a rest day tomorrow before a rematch against Great Britain at 11am on Saturday morning (NZ time).

The three nations tournament includes New Zealand, USA and Great Britain and runs until 18 February.