The Hockeyroos created many goal-scoring chances but had to settle for a 2-2 draw with the US in their first game of the Champions Trophy tournament in London on Saturday.
The week-long six-nation tournament features most of the world's best field hockey teams less than two months out from the Olympics.
The Hockeyroos took an early lead on Saturday going into the first break.
After a narrowly missed goal from a penalty corner eight minutes into the game and with just two minutes to go in the first quarter, Kathryn Slattery flew into the scoring circle and smacked the ball into the net to get a field goal.
Jill Witmer got the US on the board only minutes into the second quarter after a deflection from a previous shot on goal.
Despite having three shots at penalty corners before half time the Hockeyroos failed to score.
Three minutes into the third quarter with the score tied at 1-1 Georgie Parker ran the ball up to the Hockeyroos end of play. With the ball in the Australian circle Grace Stewart hit a deflection high into the net and over the goalkeeper's head scoring a field goal for the Australians.
Two minutes into the final quarter and the score equalised with Caitlin Van Sickle of the US getting a field goal in past Australian goalkeeper Ashlee Wells.
With a minute to go in the final quarter Australia were up for a triple chance at penalty corner, but the conversion didn't come and the game end in a 2-2 draw.
Hockeyroos Head Coach Adam Commens was pleased with the Hockeyroos' performance.
"We played a couple of practice matches in the lead-up and they were very inconsistent in the way that we played, there were patches of good stuff there, but I thought today was a much more consistent and comprehensive performance. We created a lot of chances."
"Obviously leading into the Olympics the USA are a key opponent of ours and we have to be mindful of what we show at this tournament," Commens said.
"We were still trying to win, that's for sure, but there are a couple of things that we have up our sleeve and I thought ultimately the way we executed our game plan was excellent."
The Hockeyroos next play New Zealand on Sunday.
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