Black Sticks Women Defeat Australia in Shootout to Reach World Cup

The Black Sticks women secured a dramatic victory over the Hockeyroos in a penalty shootout, earning a spot in the 2024 World Cup. This triumph took place during the final match of the Oceania Cup series in Darwin on Sunday, where New Zealand overcame Australia with a score of 5-4 on penalties after the match concluded at 1-1 in regulation time.

Australia initially took the lead in the decisive match, scoring a goal to establish a 1-0 advantage. However, a determined effort from the Black Sticks saw them equalize in the final quarter, forcing the game into a shootout. The standout performance came from goalkeeper Grace O’Hanlon, who made a crucial save during the shootout. Following the victory, O’Hanlon expressed her elation, stating, “It feels like something has been building for us for so long.”

The series was tightly contested, with both teams entering the final match with one win each. New Zealand had previously won the opening game before Australia responded in the second, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion. O’Hanlon emphasized the significance of this win against Australia’s world-ranked fifth team, while New Zealand sits at tenth.

Coached by former men’s Black Stick Phil Burrows, the team demonstrated resilience and determination throughout the Oceania Cup. Burrows noted the competitive nature of the tournament and encouraged his players to embrace a mindset of freedom and confidence on the field.

The Black Sticks’ success in the series is seen as a pivotal moment in their development. O’Hanlon remarked on the team’s growth, highlighting their journey over the past couple of years, which has included building belief and cohesiveness among the players.

As the team prepares to celebrate their hard-fought victory, they look ahead to the World Cup with renewed optimism, eager to build on their recent success and further establish themselves on the international stage.