Hockey: Black Sticks women edged by Great Britain

Anita Punt delivered her side's lone goal with a pin-point penalty corner drag flick 10 minutes out from halftime. Photo / Getty Images.

The Black Sticks Women have been narrowly beaten 2-1 by Great Britain in the opening game of their three nations tournament in San Diego.

After leading 1-0 at halftime, the Kiwis allowed Great Britain back into the game in the second half and they capitalised by scoring two goals to snatch the win.

The Black Sticks had earlier opened the game strongly and were in control throughout the first half, creating plenty of scoring opportunities but unable to convert them onto the scoreboard.

Anita Punt delivered her side's lone goal with a pin-point penalty corner drag flick 10 minutes out from halftime.

It was captain Kayla Whitelock's first outing as a married woman, while young Canterbury midfielder Jordan Grant was impressive in her debut match for New Zealand.

Black Sticks Women's assistant coach Sean Dancer said the team will need to eliminate their second half mistakes ahead of tomorrow's game against USA.

"We will certainly take some positives away from today's game, especially in the way we played the first half. We were in good control of the match but let Great Britain off the hook in the second half.

"In the second half Great Britain opened the game up nicely, and at times our basics were poor so that's something we will really be focussing on for tomorrow."

The Black Sticks play USA at 11am tomorrow morning (NZ time) in their second game at the tournament.

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