Kayla Whitelock: Improvements on pitch lift morale

Kayla Whitelock

Despite our loss to Argentina (3-2) on Tuesday there were plenty of positives to take out of the game.

In fact, we were very close to beating or drawing with a team ranked higher than us - if it weren't for a lapse of concentration in the final five minutes. You never know when that game-breaking moment comes, which is why the focus needs to stay for the full 70 minutes. Every minute's crucial.

But we played very well in terms of denying them many scoring opportunities. We also controlled the game a lot better and denied them penalty corners. Statistically we improved in these areas.

Consequently, the team morale is pretty sound. If we'd put in another poor performance we'd be hurting but there were encouraging aspects given Argentina are one of the world's best teams.

Neither has the Bay's wet weather dampened the spirits. Funnily enough, the rain seems to happen in most tournaments around the world.

The crowds have braved the conditions and every now and again when they make a big noise it really lifts you.

Tonight we play Japan. We beat them in the warm-up match but we're well aware they're a team who are getting better and better as this tournament progresses.

We'll need to perform to our best to get the win.

Our late game against Argentina meant we weren't in bed until midnight so we were all pretty tired yesterday.

Thankfully, we had a few hours off to have lunch in Napier and then went into Havelock North for a look around.

It was nice to get out and get rid of the cabin fever.

I hear there's some blue skies forecast for the end of the week so here's hoping we can finish with a bit of sunshine.

Kayla Whitelock is captain of the Black Sticks women.