World No.3 Argentina proved composed under pressure in downing fourth-ranked New Zealand 2-1 in Blenheim on Saturday in the first of four women's hockey internationals.
First-half strikes to Victoria Zuloaga and Maria Granatto gave Argentina a 2-0 lead at halftime.
The New Zealanders worked hard but struggled to find their connections in the circle throughout most of the second half.
With only four minutes left on the clock, Sam Charlton set up Shiloh Gloyn to narrow the lead and give the Black Sticks the chance of rescuing a draw.
But although they pressured Argentina's goal right to the whistle, the visitors' defence held strong.
Coach Mark Hager said the Black Sticks were too patchy to really threaten the well-organised Argentinians.
"The last five minutes were pretty much the best part of our game with three or four shots. We finished well, but we have got to be better," he said.
Hager was able to blood two new players in Aucklander Maddie Dowe and Wellington's Kelsey Smith, and said both performed creditably.
"Obviously a bit of nerves from both of them today, it's a big learning curve playing No.3 in the world," Hager said.
"But I'm pleased we can give Maddie and Kelsey an opportunity, and no doubt they'll learn from that today."
The two teams meet again in Blenheim on Sunday then head to Nelson for Tuesday's match before finishing the series in Christchurch on Friday.
NZN