The Black Sticks women have fallen to a 3-1 defeat to India overnight in their second pool match at the Olympic qualifying tournament.
All four goals were scored in the opening quarter, with New Zealand unable to claw their way back into the game as they suffered from tackling errors and multiple turnovers that stifled momentum.
The match got off to the worst possible start for the Black Sticks, as India scored after just 40 seconds with Sangita Kumari putting her side 1-0 up with a well-executed field goal.
New Zealand equalised 10 minutes later when Megan Hull nailed a penalty corner goal. But the parity was short-lived, as India quickly regained the lead through their own penalty corner goal.
Another goal followed shortly after, leaving the Black Sticks with a lot of work to do throughout the remaining three quarters.
The Black Sticks threw everything they could at India in the third quarter but were unable to break down their defence. They struggled to create chances in the final period and were eventually consigned to defeat.
The defeat sets up what will likely be a must-win encounter with the USA on Wednesday morning.
All the action can be seen live and on-demand on TVNZ.
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