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The Black Sticks women will play the United States in the semifinal of the FIH Nations Cup in Auckland today.
The Black Sticks secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against France in their final pool game on Thursday.
They were undefeated during pool play but were pushed hard by France at North Harbour National Hockey Centre.
Following a scoreless opening quarter, New Zealand broke the deadlock through Kaitlin Cotter, who fired home her second goal of the tournament from a penalty corner.
France grabbed an equaliser early in the third quarter to set up a tense finish.
With the match locked at 1-1 heading into the final quarter, both teams pushed forward in search of a winner.
The decisive moment came with just three minutes remaining.
Paige Blake got the final touch from a penalty corner variation, deflecting the ball past the French goalkeeper to seal the victory.
Casey Crowley brought up her 50th international cap for the Black Sticks during the match.
The milestone is a testament to her consistency and commitment to the black shirt, and she celebrated the occasion in the best possible way with a win. — Allied Media