Dominant New Zealand scored three goals in the first three quarters to beat Italy 3-1 and finish fifth in the FIH Women’s Olympic Qualifiers here on Friday.
Rose Tynan (7 minutes), skipper Olivia Melly (10th) and Hannah Cotter (31st) were the scorers for the ‘Black Sticks Ladies’ in the fifth and sixth place deciding match. Ta.
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Italy’s only goal came from Ivanna Pessina’s stick from a penalty corner in the 21st minute.
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As expected, the Black Sticks started the match on an attacking note, putting pressure on the Italian defense from the start.
New Zealand secured their first penalty corner in the third minute, but it was thwarted by a goal-line save from the Italian defense.
New Zealand kept up the pressure and earned a penalty corner four minutes later, with Rose Tynan scoring from the rebound to take the lead.
Three minutes later, Olivia Melly scored from a field effort to double New Zealand’s lead.
The Italians came out with a purpose in the second quarter and made some great moves, winning their second penalty corner in the 21st minute, when Ivanna Pessina found the back of the net with a low ground flick to seal the difference. was reduced to 1-2.
Just before half-time, Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso made a fine save to deny Samantha Child.
New Zealand adopted high-press hockey after the change of ends and their efforts paid off as Hannah Cotter scored from close range in the first minute of the third quarter to regain a two-goal lead.
Italy did not give up without a fight and earned a penalty corner in the 34th minute, but squandered the opportunity.
In the 39th minute, New Zealand goalkeeper Brooke Roberts made a twin save to thwart an Italian attack.
Eight minutes after the final heckle, Italy won another set-piece, but the result was the same.
After the final jeers, Italy earned another penalty corner, but they were unable to break through New Zealand’s determined defence.