Flawless start but Kiwis couldn't contain China

The New Zealand women were still buzzing from their 8-4 victory over Japan last night when they took to the water for the quarterfinal against current world number 2 China. The first quarter was outstanding for the Kiwis, thanks to Jasmine Myles (2) and Emma Stoneman who converted to push in front 2-3.

Good defence led to offence in the first quarter for New Zealand

New Zealand made the Chinese work hard in the second quarter and they converted on the home side's mistakes. China led 5-3 by halftime. The margin stretched to 9-3 before the Kiwis struck back with two goals, including a Hannah Klein lob four seconds from the end of the third for 10-5 down. China's attack was relentless in the final eight minutes and they managed to find the back of the net another four times despite Brooke Millar's countless saves.

Goals came a lot easier for China

Young-gun Liana Dance managed her third goal in four games nearing the end of the match to end on 14-6, in all a very respectable result. "We started very well. After the second quarter that’s when the differences came out between the teams in terms of training and funding.” said coach Attila Biro. Hat-trick scorer Jasmine Myles agreed: “The first quarter was really strong, we went up 3-2, and our defence was very good in the first half. But the third quarter they kind of got away from us.” SEMIFINAL 5th-8th With one spot still up for grabs for the World League Super Final in China, from now, two wins will mean that New Zealand will qualify. New Zealand will meet Brazil in the semifinal for 5th/8th tomorrow at 3:00pm. Get there and support our Kiwi women!