BY ROMULUS HUTA
In Port Vila, Vanuatu
THE Solomon Islands national women hockey side succumbed to an 8-1 loss against Fiji in the World Hockey Series Oceania Qualifier currently underway in Port Vila, Vanuatu.
The result marks an improvement from their previous outing two years ago where Solomon Islands lost by 9-0.
Fiji led scoring from the start leading by four goals to nil.
At the start of the second period Solomon Islands got its close through Hilda Kabini when she stretched her stick to meet a long range drive sent from Mary Usua inside the goal area.
Fiji added four more goals later in the final period to seal the victory.
The victory lifts Fiji into the top spot of the women’s competition table ahead of Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Tonga, respectively.
Solomon Islands team manager Winki Yee congratulated Fiji for the victory.
“Fiji played a better game and won. They deserved the result.
“Our girls lost their concentration and we got punished,” he said.
Fiji women coach Ana Finau said a win is important for their campaign.
“I’m happy with the result as it puts us in a good position to fight for the top position.
“Solomon Islands played well against us and I must congratulate them as well.”
Solomon Islands, having already recorded two losses, will play Tonga in their final round robin match today.