The national women's hockey squad suffered their second straight defeat at the Women's Hockey World League Tournament at the Fallon Stadium in Brussels, losing 1-3 to Spain in a Group B match late Thursday (early Friday in Malaysia).

Malaysia, who lost 0-3 to world number four team Australia in the group opening encounter on Wednesday, drew first blood as early as in the third minute when skipper Siti Noor Amarina Ruhani converted a penalty corner.

Stung by the goal, Spain went on the attack and was duly rewarded when Carola Salvatella levelled the score via a field goal in the 28th minute. The 1-1 result remained until the end of the first half.

The eagerness of the backline players to stop Rocio Ybarra from scoring goals did not materialise. The umpire awarded a penalty stroke to Spain and Lola Riera stepped up to score in the 31st minute.

Lola sealed the first victory for Spain in the tournament by converting a penalty corner five minutes later.

Malaysia will meet host Belgium in the third group match on Saturday while Spain will take on Australia on Sunday.

-- BERNAMA