Hockeyroos third at four-nation tournament

Australia have finished third at the women's Festival of Hockey tournament after beating the United States 3-2 in a shootout.

The Hockeyroos have beaten the United States 3-2 in a shootout to finish third at the Festival of Hockey tournament in Hastings.

The scores were locked 1-1 at fulltime before the world No.4 Australians clinched victory over the sixth-ranked Americans.

Kate Hanna put the Hockeyroos in front with a goal on the stroke of halftime.

As has often been the case at the four-nation tournament, the Australians leaked a goal in the dying moments. Caitlin Van Sickle pounced on a loose ball from a penalty corner to snare the equaliser with less than two minutes remaining.

Australia finished level with Japan in second place after two full rounds of matches.

Japan boasted a better head-to-head record between the two, sending them into the final against top qualifiers and defending champions New Zealand.