GRANADA, Spain—The U.S. Women’s National University Team fell, 4-1, to Japan in its second preliminary matchup of the 2015 Winter World University Games today at Mulhacen Pavilion. Japan opened the scoring in the first period, and after a scoreless second period, Team USA tied the score about midway through the third frame. But in the final 3:12 of the period, Japan scored three unanswered goals, making it 4-1.

"It was a hard fought loss against Japan tonight," said Kristen Wright, head coach of the U.S. Women's National University Team. "We battled through all three periods against a quick Japanese team. Our goaltender Nasanov withstood a lot of pressure from Japan, stopping 43 shots."

Japan notched the opening goal of the game at 13:42 of the first period. Neither team could capitalize on power play chances in the second period, and Japan carried its 1-0 lead into the final frame.

In the third stanza, Team USA tallied the equalizer just seven seconds into its fourth power play of the game. Emily Ford (Glastonbury, Conn./University of Vermont) passed to Molly O’Neil (Aurora, Colo./Colorado State University) waiting near the left half wall. O’Neil then skated into the slot and shot the puck past Japan goaltender Nana Fujimoto. Japan responded with three unanswered goals in the remaining 3:12 of the game for the final margin. 

U.S. goaltender Caitlin Nosanov (Middleville, Mich./Davenport University) stopped 43 of 47 shots she faced. The U.S. tallied 17 shots in the game.

The U.S. Women’s National University Team will face host country Spain on Monday (Feb. 9) at 2:30 p.m. ET in its final game of the preliminary round. Check USAHockey.com for coverage of both the men’s and women’s squads at the 2015 Winter World University Games.