Ireland began their FIH Hockey Nations Cup campaign with a 3-0 win against Scotland in Santiago.
The Irish began in a positive fashion, dominating possession and creating early circle penetrations which eventually resulted in their first penalty corner. After their first effort was saved, Naomi Carroll took control of the loose ball, firing at the back post for Mikayla Power to open the scoring for Ireland on her senior international debut.
Scotland dialled up the intensity in the second quarter, opting to press Ireland high up the pitch. The change of tactics served them well, winning three penalty corners, which Ireland goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran dealt with well.
Their third penalty corner, coming with just a minute remaining of the first half, was well defended by the Irish, giving them an opportunity to counter. Hannah McLoughlin spotted Naomi Carroll free in the Scottish half. The Limerick attacker turned well to find Niamh Carey free on the penalty spot, who was on hand to double Ireland's advantage.
In a last ditched effort to find a route back into the game, Scotland withdrew their keeper in favour of an extra outfielder. Ireland managed the strategic change well, eventually winning the ball and supplying Katie Mullan who charged up the field to fire into an empty net, sealing the victory.
