Great Britain Women’s Universities were beaten 9-2 by Japan at the 28th Winter Universiade in Almaty in their placement playoff game.

They will now face Kazakhstan tomorrow to decide their final position in the tournament.

GB netminder Holly Steeples faced 78 shots, while Britain’s goals were scored by Judith Browne (powerplay) and Elizabeth Milne in the space of 19 seconds in the third period.

Coach, James Ashton, said: “It has been a tough and demanding tournament so far, but we expected that when we looked at the teams we were to play.

“Today we showed can play compete and were able to play both ends of the ice.

“Small mistakes and lapses in concentration cost a few goals but, overall, I am very happy with the tema’s performance.

“Once again, we have grown and all the players are developing and learning, which is what the experience was about.

“We need to continue positively into the last game against Kazakhstan and make sure we leave everything on the ice tomorrow before coming home.”