Japan 3
New Zealand turned in their best effort to beat the Japanese women 4-3 in Hamilton last night and take a handy 2-1 lead in the five-test series.
But they had to do it the hard way after falling a goal behind when Akane Shibata scored in the 10th minute.
Katie Glynn gave herself a 22nd birthday present by scoring the second goal - from a penalty corner variation which went wrong - before Anita Punt put the Black Sticks ahead after a strong run and playing a one-two with Glynn.
That halftime lead was short-lived, however, as the visitors got back to 2-2 when Akane Shibata scored.
Responding to that, the home side reapplied the pressure and went back in front when Stacey Michelsen, celebrating her 50th international, scored. That lead was increased to 4-2 when Charlotte Harrison, with a trademark reverse stick shot, scored.
The last say was with the Japanese, however, when Misato Katamine scored to give her team some hope of salvaging a draw.
"It was our best performance of the series," said Black Sticks coach Mark Hager. "We were more clinical but it was disappointing to concede three goals the way we did.
"We were a little unfortunate in going behind to that early goal. We were controlling things well but they broke away and the goal went in."
Hager was encouraged by the goals his team scored and by their defensive work in keeping out the five penalty corner opportunities the visitors had, but he was not so happy with the lapses which let the visitors close to within a goal at the finish.
Amelia Gibson had her first game of the series in goal while Ella Gunson also played for the first time after being sidelined through injury for the opening tests.
The fourth test, at the North Harbour Hockey Stadium tomorrow night, promises to be a real test for the Black Sticks, who will be without their most experienced player and inspirational leader Kayla Sharland, who is flying to Christchurch for her former teammate Amanda Hooper's funeral. Hooper, nee Christie, played 40 tests from 2001-03.
"It will be a good test for the rest of the team," said Hager. "Everyone has played now so we have to make a call on the 16 players who will be in the squad."
