The win was a first for the US in the Championships Challenge 1 in what was the tournament's last ever showing following the decision to replace it with a new World League from the end of 2014.

With the win, the US gained an automatic berth into the 2016 Champions Trophy which will see them re-enter the top division of women's hockey following their absence in the previous 15 editions.

Ireland were much the quicker team in the opening period of the match with an Emma Smyth goal giving them a 1-0 advantage after just three minutes of play in Glasgow's National Hockey Centre.

America struggled to get going at all in this opening period, testing Irish keeper Emma Gray just once in the first 15 minutes of action.

The US had to battle from a goal down to overcome Ireland 3-1 in the Champions Challenge final in Glasgow ©FIH



The favourites began to increase the pressure after the 20 minute mark however, finally breaking through the Irish defence on the 25 minute mark as Paige Selenski batted down from overhead to level the tie at 1-1.

After huge periods of possession, America took the lead just before half time with Caroline Nichols knocking home from a penalty corner.

Despite being frustrated for large periods of the second half, the US women added a third after 48 minutes to give themselves a comfortable lead, one in which they would hold for the remainder of the match.

"I am delighted with the way we played tonight," said Craig Parnham, head coach of US team.

"We started off a bit slowly and put ourselves in difficulty early on but came back and had a good result in the end.

"We have a great group of players with good attitude, good spirit and grit and determination – with that you can get a lot done."

In the third-place play off, South Africa edged past Spain by just a single goal to nil while South Korea sealed fifth with a 2-1 penalty win over Belgium.

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