FIH Women's Series Finals: Wales finish sixth after Belarus loss

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Wales won one, drew one and lost three games at the FIH Women's Series FinalsImage source, Getty Images
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Wales won one, drew one and lost three games at the FIH Women's Series Finals

Wales narrowly failed in their bid to reach the semi-finals of the FIH Women's Series Finals in Valencia, Spain after a narrow 1-0 defeat against the hosts.

Lucia Jimenez scored the winning goal in the first quarter.

Wales then faced Belarus in the fifth-sixth place play-off but lost 2-1, despite a Leah Wilkinson goal from a penalty corner

They finished third in their qualifying group with a win, a draw and a defeat.

The event was a pathway to qualification for the 2020 Olympic Games in Japan.

Wales lost 4-1 to Italy in their final group game at the FIH Women's Series Finals in Valencia, Spain.

Saturday's defeat to Italy meant Wales, who beat Thailand 5-0 and drew 2-2 with South Africa, finished third in Pool B.

While Wales could not achieve World Cup qualification because England are the nominated country for Great Britain's Olympic pathway, they were seeking to gain world ranking points.

Wales captain Wilkinson said: "This tournament has been invaluable for the experience it offered. We have played Canada and Spain and Belarus and we have pushed a lot of higher ranked teams very close.

"Now it is about our preparation for the Europeans where we are looking to gain promotion, so this time together has been invaluable."

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