World Champion Argentina defeat Black Sticks Women’s team in second test 6-1
The Argentinean team beat New Zealand 6-1 in the second test of the three test series on March 28 at North Harbour Hockey Stadium in Albany, Hamilton.
Las Leonas responded strongly to the last match draw, comprehensively defeating the Black Sticks.
Mark Hager, coach of Black Sticks Women’s hockey team had stated that Las Leonas will be on fire in their next test matches and it was proven as Argentina dominated the field from the opening minutes of the match.
Las Leonas were confident and determined to defeat the Black Sticks in the second test. They managed to keep the ball in possession, allowing them to attack repeatedly.
In the opening minutes of the match, Argentina’s Canda Gonzalez inaugurated the score for her team at 1-0 in the 4th minute of the match. Within the next ten minutes, a penalty corner was shot by Maria D’Elia that was followed by another penalty
corner score beautifully delivered by Delfina Merino in the 22nd minute, putting the score at 3-0 over the Black Sticks.
Black Sticks was found making their utmost efforts but all went in vain as soon as half-time was called, closing the score at 3-0.
In the opening minutes of the second half, Charlotte Harrison shot the ball home but it was rejected by the referees due to a prior breach committed by the Black Sticks.
However in the 42nd minute, a successful attempt was made by Black Sticks’ Cathryn Finlayson to open the score for New Zealand at 3-1, scoring her second goal of the series. It was a startling shot when she dribbled and flicked the ball past Julia
Simonassi, Las Leonas’ goal-keeper.
Later, two more goals were shot one after the other that were delivered by the Argentinean team captain Maria Barrionuevo and their striker Daniela Sruoga.
A yellow card was given to Barrionuevo in the 60th minute that did not affect the game’s pace. One minute later, a penalty corner was confidently availed by Delfina Merino, putting the score at 6-1.
In spite of the fact that the Black Sticks had four penalty corner opportunities right before the final whistle, they failed to avail any of them and hence were defeated with a 6-1 goal difference.
The final match of the series is to take place at the same venue on March 29. It will be interesting to see how the Black Sticks manage to fight back in the test series after a humiliating loss. The team will be looking to come out aggressively and dominate
Las Leonas early. The Argentineans will continue with their dominating form and try to carry their winning momentum into their next match-up.
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