Australia defeated the US in the women's FIH Pro League ©FIH

Australia increased their chances of finishing in the top four of the women's International Hockey Federation (FIH) Pro League with a 4-0 win over the United States in Pennsylvania.

Rosie Malone silenced the crowd in Lancaster's Spooky Nook Sports Complex with a goal four minutes into the second period. 

Savannah Fitzpatrick notched twice in the fourth period, before Emily Chalker made Australia's victory certain. 

“The USA really gave it to us, they were fighting the whole time," said Malone.

"It was neck and neck until the end there, when we got a bit of our game back and managed to score some goals.”

Australia are fourth in the standings, having claimed 63.64 per cent of the points available to them.

The US languish at the bottom with 12.12 per cent. 

The top four finishers will secure tickets to June’s grand final in Amsterdam and also Olympic qualifiers, which are due to take place later this year. 

The women's competition continues on Sunday (May 12) when the US welcome Argentina to Lancaster.