The New Zealand Ice Fernz suffered a 3-0 loss to Chinese Taipei in their opening game at the International Ice Hockey Federation Division IIB tournament in Romania.
Chinese Taipei set the pace from the drop of the puck. It pinned New Zealand in its own territory.
New Zealand weathered the initial onslaught. Goalie Lochlyn Hyde was resolute in her crease.
But eventually, Teng Yu-Ting put her side up 1-0 after tapping in a rebound.
New Zealand started the second period with more confidence, but Chinese Taipei strung together a series of breakaways before Yeh Hui-Chen managed to sneak the puck past new goalie Grace Harrison.
Chinese Taipei consolidated its lead in the final period with a third goal during a powerplay. Hsu Ting-Yu deflected a shot from inside the blue line behind Harrison.
Despite the result, coach Rachel Park was philosophical about the loss.
''The effort that we needed to bring was there. It was obvious how badly the girls had wanted [this win],'' she said.
''But we just couldn't find the back of the net. The Chinese Taipei team capitalised on a couple of loose pucks.
''It didn't go in our favour but I couldn't have asked any more from them. They gave it what they had.''
New Zealand's next assignment is against Iceland early this morning.
