KRASNOYARSK, March 6 (Xinhua) -- China's women's ice hockey team fought a tough fight but was defeated 5-1 against Japan at the 29th Winter Universiade on Wednesday.

As the top-ranked Asian team, Japan showed their competitiveness by defeating the USA 2-1 in the opening match of the competition. The strong side was confident enough to put three goals past China in the first quarter of their match.

China rallied and managed to pull one goal back through Fu Kexin. Buoyed by this, the team tried hard in the final quarter to net again, but Japan's defensive line was strong enough to keep the Chinese score to one by the final whistle.

"We didn't do well defensively in the first quarter," said Chinese coach Wang Jianye.

"In the second quarter, we were level at 1-1, but they are still a much stronger team."

Japan's five goals came from five different players, and they led China 59-11 on shooting attempts as they cruised into the semifinals.

It was China's third defeat in four matches at the tournament so far, their only victory coming two days ago when they beat Switzerland 3-0.

Nevertheless, with only six teams taking part in the women's ice hockey competition, China will meet the USA on Friday with the winner of that match booking the final semifinal berth.

"We will fight until the last minute on Friday," said Wang.