The Alpiners women are in a position to push for a spot in the gold-medal match.
They are in second place with eight points.
But with a maximum of eight points still available in the final two round-robin games this weekend, the competition is wide open.
And the Alpiners have a tough finish. They play the top-of-the-table Falcons (12 points) in Wellington today. They beat them 3-1 in their last outing.
On Sunday, they will play the Mavericks (six points). That game is back in Christchurch.
The Mavericks won the earlier match between the two teams 3-0.
The Alpiners are missing six of their under-21 players who are away on international duties.
Alpiners coach Aaron Ford said they have drafted in some quality players to replace the youngsters.
Black Sticks duo Millie Calder and Brittany Wang will add their experience, and they have brought in Australian international Hattie Shand.
"Yes, we lose some quality with the under-21 players, but we’re bringing in three internationals," Ford said.
"They’ll bring a lot of energy into the group and probably a lack of fear. They just get stuck in.
"We’re looking to continue to play the same way — that’s a fast-paced game."
"They [The Falcons] have Olivia Shannon, the Black Sticks captain, come into their team this week. So they’ll be harder. They’ll be tougher."
The Alpiners men have already secured a spot in the final regardless of the outcome of their final two round-robin games.
They lead the competition standings with 14 points.
The defending champions have not suffered a defeat this season, but they did require a shootout to edge the Falcons two weeks ago.
The rematch is in Wellington today and then the Alpiners men will return to Christchurch to host the Mavericks, whom they dispatched 4-1 in round two.
