Australia, the defending bronze medalist in the women’s U20 championship, opened its 2024 campaign in Hong Kong, China with an 18-6 rivalry win over New Zealand.
The Aussies started the game on a four-goal run, and after New Zealand punched back, burst the game open with a 7-0 run across the second and third quarters.
Ocea Leavy was named the player of the match for her six-goal showing, but Australia spread the attacking output with eight players on the scoresheet. Holly Dini added three goals and an assist.
Australia was dominant on draws, with strong showings from Marley Dawson, Isabel Jackson and Harriet Sloane. Overall, it was a ball control clinic from Australia, who enjoyed a 32-9 shots advantage.
Sienna Neill scored two goals and assisted another for New Zealand. Goalkeeper Sam Crowther made seven saves.
Australia can take one step closer to a playoff berth with a win against Scotland on Saturday at 8 p.m. HKT. New Zealand will face a tough rebound against Italy at 2 p.m., with the Italians already in the win column.
