The Black Sticks women have got their Olympic campaign off to a flyer with a victory over world number two Argentina in their opening match this afternoon.
Third quarter goals from Hope Ralph and Kelsey Smith gave New Zealand the advantage, and they were able to absorb wave after wave of Argentinian attacks before Holly Pearson fired in a third in the final quarter to wrap up the victory.
"They played with a lot of pressure and we did really well [to counter that]," Pearson said after the game.
"Our ball speed was really good and we were able to score a couple of goals early which helped."
It was a sensational performance from the Kiwis, who are chasing their first Olympic medal, having finished fourth in London and Rio.
Argentina are four-time Olympic medallists, their last being silver in London.
The Black Sticks next play hosts Japan tomorrow night.
WATCH THE OLYMPICS: TVNZ 1 and TVNZ OnDemand feature 12 hours of free-to-air action focussed on Kiwi athletes each afternoon and evening, while Sky TV has Olympics coverage across 12 channels and streaming platforms.
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