Argentina's beaten the New Zealand women's hockey team 2-1 in Blenheim, in the first of a four-Test series.
The Black Sticks' Charlotte Harrison battles for the ball against Argentina Photo: Photosport
The Black Sticks made a comeback in the fourth quarter, spurred on by a goal from Black Stick Shiloh Gloyn.
But it wasn't enough against the world No.3-ranked Argentinians, who face the hosts again tomorrow in Blenheim.
'We were too patchy and not cohesive enough today, the last five minutes was pretty much the best part of our game with three or four shots - we finished well, but we have got to be better," said head coach Mark Hager.
Auckland's Maddie Dowe and Capital's Kelsey Smith made their debuts in the defeat.
'Obviously a bit of nerves from both of them, it's a big learning curve playing number three in the world - they are a team of very talented hockey players. But I'm pleased we can give Maddie and Kelsey an opportunity and no doubt they will learn from that today," said Hager.
After the second Blenheim Test, the two teams head to Nelson, where they play on Tuesday, ahead of the final clash in Christchurch on Friday.
The Black Sticks men will play India twice in Nelson, on the 6th and 7th of October, and twice in Christchurch (9th and 11th October).