The Irish women's hockey team have missed out on the opportunity to qualify for next years Olympic Games in Brazil.
They lost their quarter final in the World Hockey League to China in Valencia. The game finished 1-1 but Darren Smith's side lost out in a penalty shootout.
China took the lead in the first quarter courtesy of Zhang Xiaoxue. Ireland dominated the game and equalised through Chloe Watkins late in the third quarter.
Ireland thought the won the game late in the fourth quarter courtesy of a Megan Frazer goal but it was disallowed, due to the ball hitting a foot.
The game went to a penalty shootout, with Ayeisha McFerren replacing Emma Gray in goals. McFadden saved her first penalty as Ireland took control of the shootout. Emma Smyth missed for Ireland too to leave the shootout tied 3-3 going into the last round of penalties.
McFadden again saved the Chinese penalty, giving the chance to Nikki Evans to give Ireland the win. She had her penalty saved, but was fouled in the process meaning she could retake it but failed to score again.
Both sides failed to score with their sixth penalties before Ireland's Anna O'Flanagan shot wide. China's Liang Meiyu scored to send the Asian side through to the World League semi finals.
Ireland must know wait to see if the qualify for the Olympics depending on results in other tournaments later this year.
Head Coach Darren Smith spoke after the game, calling the loss "devastating".
Post Match Interview Darren Smith #HWL2015 #RoadtoRio http://t.co/E5604B1OQi
— FIH (@FIH_Hockey) June 18, 2015
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