Published on Wednesday, 14 June 2017
Black Sticks beaten by Spain in third test
Photo: www.photosport.nz
Three unanswered goals have helped hosts Spain to a 3-1 win over the Vantage Black Sticks Women in the third test in Barcelona.
The Kiwis opened the scoring in through a 10th minute Kelsey Smith field goal before Spain fought back to take control.
Two quick-fire penalty corner goals in the second quarter from Lola Riera and Maria Lopez gave the hosts a 2-1 halftime lead before Belen Iglesias pushed the buffer out further in the 35th minute.
Black Sticks assistant coach Sean Dancer said it was not a great performance from his side in the face of pressure from Spain.
“Spain played very well today, put us under a lot of pressure and were rewarded for their efforts,” he said.
“We need to be better in our next performance and make sure we wrap this series on a positive note.”
The fourth and final test between the Vantage Black Sticks and Spain will be played at 5:30am on Thursday morning (NZT).
The series is part of New Zealand’s build-up for the FIH World League Semi Final in Brussels from 21 June – 2 July.
VANTAGE BLACK STICKS 1: (Kelsey Smith)
SPAIN 3: (Lola Riera, Maria Lopez, Belen Iglesias)
Halftime: Spain 2-1
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