In what was a rematch of the last final, in 2017, the hosts never trailed but faced a tough challenge from their neighbours, who have finished as silver medallists in the last two editions.

A first quarter hat trick by two-time Tewaaraton winner Charlotte North gave the US a 5-2 lead after the opening quarter, but the teams traded goals over the next two quarters with Canada cutting the gap to two on five separate occasions, the last coming from Hannah Morris with 6:29 left in the third quarter that made the score line 9-7.

The US scored three straight goals over the final five minutes of the third quarter, courtesy of Emily Parros, Sam Apuzzo, and North, to go up 12-7 entering the last period.

There was a glimmer of hope for Canada, however, as they scored the next three goals but Parros scored a crucial goal to end the comeback and ignite a three-goal run for the Americans to seal the win.

Parros was named the player of the match after a standout all-around performance with two goals, an assist, three draw controls and one turnover.

The match was the only fixture scheduled for the first day.

A record 29 teams are due to compete this year, down from the expected 30 as Uganda were unable to make the trip due to not getting visas in time.

The remaining sides are set to play more than 100 games before the final on July 9.

There are 10 matches on the schedule for tomorrow with Sweden and Mexico to begin proceedings at Tiger Field at 10am local time.