New Zealand stamped their authority on the Commonwealth Games women’s hockey tournament with a runaway 12-0 victory against Ghana in their second pool match.
In captain Stacey Michelsen’s 250th international appearance, her side rose to the occasion and scored four goals in the first half and a further eight after the break.
Midfielder Anita McLaren (nee Punt) also marked a huge milestone in the 49th minute when she scored the first of her two goals, making her the first New Zealand woman to score 100 goals at international level.
Striker Madison Doar played a superb game and scored a hat-trick. Besides McLaren’s double, Michelsen, Kelsey Smith, Sam Charlton, Shiloh Gloyn, Olivia Merry, Sam Harrison and Amy Robinson joined the goal-scoring party.
Michelsen said it was a fantastic feeling to come away with the emphatic result in her 250th match.
“We started a bit slowly but got into the game and played well in large patches during the second half, which was pleasing,” she said.
“There have been so many great moments for me since joining the group in 2009 and to have the opportunity to still be a part of this amazing team is so special and I hope I can do it for a lot longer yet.
“Our focus now moves to our next game against Canada. We’ve been watching a lot of video and they are a side that continues to improve every year so we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
The Canada game is on Sunday, April 8.