by Alex Hoad at the Olympic Park

Jen Wilson’s third Olympic hockey campaign could yet end on a high, despite a disappointing start.

The South African forward, who plays for Canterbury, scored her first goal of the tournament in the 7-0 demolition of the USA on Monday morning.

The win helped SA avoid the whitewash in their group, but more importantly lifted them above the USA in the standings and into fifth of six teams.

It means the US will now be left to battle for the wooden spoon on Friday, while Wilson, 33, and South Africa will take-on the fifth-placed team from the other group - likely to be Japan - at 8.30am on Wednesday to determine 9th and 10th place.

South Africa came into the competition on a high, ranked 12th in the world, but having beaten GB in a warm-up match.

They however lost their opening Olympic game 7-1 to Argentina, then lost 4-1 to New Zealand, 2-0 to Germany and 1-0 to Australia before Monday’s defeat of the USA.