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

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

That goal helped them avoid the whitewash in their group but more importantly lifted them above the USA in the standings.

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 at 8.30am on Wednesday to determine ninth and tenth place.

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

However, they 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.