Hockey: Black Sticks women draw second test against Argentina

The New Zealand women's hockey team are a much happier side after today's 1-1 draw against world No2 Argentina in their second test in Rosario.

After yesterday's 4-1 opening loss, the Kiwis played a much tighter defensive game and showed more pressure in attack for longer periods. Stacey Michelsen captained the side and also scored the equaliser late in the first half.

"It was a much improved and more disciplined performance, particularly our penalty corner defence. We still missed some chances that would have won us the game, but hopefully we can really make the most of our opportunities on Wednesday," said coach Mark Hager.

"We are a young side with a lot of new players. We had a good debrief this morning and there were a lot of learnings. It is pleasing to see that there is definite improvement in the areas that we targeted and that this showed in the scoreline," he added.

Argentina, known as Las Leonas, got ahead after Noel Barrionuevo scored a penalty stroke 15 minutes into the first half. Michelsen took a cracking reverse stick shot which the goalkeeper initially saved and then Michelsen scored from the rebound.

The last time New Zealand drew against Argentina was in March last year during a home test series in Auckland.