Hockey: Black Sticks clinch series win

Gemma Flynn scored a double for the Black Sticks. Photo / Getty Images

The Black Sticks women's hockey team took an unassailable lead in its five-test series with the US this morning when New Zealand won the third match 4-0 in San Diego.

Gemma Flynn scored a double and was joined on the scoresheet by Krystal Forgesson, who was celebrating her birthday, and Katie Glynn.

"It was a strong performance," coach Mark Hager said. "We were much more structured and disciplined, especially in the first half.

"It was one of the hottest days on record - it was very trying conditions - so both teams wilted a bit in the second half but, overall, a great team performance.

"The United States are a great side to play against. They are continuing to press very hard and they put a lot of pressure on our defence. They have shown up our weaknesses and this has helped us identify what areas need to be worked on moving forward."

The Black Sticks attacked from the outset and scored from their second penalty corner. The ball wasn't cleared and the Black Sticks were able to feed the ball back into the circle for Gemma Flynn to tap it in.

In the 19th minute, Charlotte Harrison crossed the ball into the circle and Glynn scored her third goal of the series.

The Black Sticks continued to put the US under pressure and 10 minutes later it paid off when Cathryn Finlayson passed the ball into the circle, the United States mistrapped it, and Forgesson found the back of the net.

Flynn wrapped up the scoring in the 43rd minute when she tipped in from close range. The Black Sticks had two more penalty corners but, although they came close, couldn't convert.

The fourth test will be played in San Diego on Saturday morning (NZT).