Olivia Merry, Kirsten Pearce and Ella Gunson were on target for the host nation at the North Harbour Hockey Stadium as New Zealand moved up to fifth in the standings.

Danielle Grega scored a consolation goal for the US, who are rooted to the bottom of the women's table.

In the other match held in Auckland today, New Zealand's men were beaten in a shoot-out by Spain after a thrilling encounter had finished 3-3 at the end of normal time.

New Zealand's women started their clash with the US, briefly delayed owing to torrential rain, the better side but had to wait until the second period to open the scoring.

Merry put the home team in front with a close-range deflection and provided the assist for Pearce to double their advantage.

Ella Gunson’s penalty corner deflection put New Zealand out of sight in the third quarter, although there was still time for Grega to find the net for the visitors late on.

Spain wasted little time in breaking the deadlock in the men's match as Pau Quemada scored in the opening seconds to give the away side an early lead.

Goals from Jared Panchia, Stephen Jenness and Dylan Thomas quickly put New Zealand in the driving set as they opened up a 3-1 advantage.

But Spain fought back, scoring twice in the last 10 minutes through Marc Miralles and a second from Quemada to send the match to a shoot-out.

Spain held their nerve in the shoot-out, emerging on the right side of a 4-2 scoreline to condemn the hosts to defeat.

The Pro League continues on Sunday (March 10) with another two matches in Auckland as the Black Sticks men and women welcome the national teams of Argentina.