KUALA LUMPUR: China's Liaoning are aiming for redemption in the Vivian May Soars Cup after failing to win the women's Malaysia Hockey League (WMHL).
Undefeated Malaysian University (MU) won the league crown with a 100 per cent record with seven wins and two draws.
Liaoning finished runners-up in the 10-team competition, which concluded on Thursday, with 23 points.
Despite the heartbreak, Liaoning are unperturbed as they are without five national players, who are playing for China in the FIH Pro League.
They are using the WMHL to prepare for the China National Games.
Liaoning, who were joint champions with Terengganu Ladies in the 2019 Vivian May Soars Cup, will face Blue Warriors, who finished third in the league, in the semi-final first leg at the National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil on March 5
MU, who are going for a treble, will face defending champions Negri Sembilan on the same day
The return legs are on March 7 and the final two days later.
Liaoning coach Ren Ye admitted her players are heartbroken after not winning the league title.
"Although we are here with a young team, who were confident of doing better," said Ren Ye.
"However, my players hope to bounce back in the Vivian May Soars Cup, which we want to win.
"It will give us great motivation for the China National Games if we achieve the target,"
Wang Lihang, who is currently the top scorer with 16 goals, will lead Liaoning's forward line against Blue Warriors.
FIXTURES
MARCH 5
SEMI-FINALS (1ST LEGS)
Malaysian University vs Negri Sembilan (6pm), Liaoning Team vs PDRM Blue Warriors (8pm).
Both matches at National Hockey Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
