The Fiji women's sevens team have finished 10th out of 12 teams at the season-opening USA Sevens in Glendale, Colorado.
In their first World Series tournament under new coach Ratu Alifereti Doviverata, the Fijiana suffered heavy defeats by Canada, 7-26, France, 12-45, and Ireland, 7-59, in pool play on day one of competition.
Spain's Amaia Erbina races away from the Fiji defence during the Challenge Trophy final. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
A Mereula Torooti try in the final minute gave them a 17-14 victory over China in the Challenge Trophy semi-finals to advance to the playoff for ninth place.
Naina Baleca opened the scoring with an intercept try in the first minute but she was sin-binned later in the first half for a deliberate knock-on, with the numerical advantage helping the Spaniards to a 15-7 half-time lead.
Vasiti Solikoviti scored for Fiji to close the gap to one point before Spain responded with their fourth try of the match.
Fiji had one final chance from a scrum with 30 seconds to play but Spain turned the ball over to hold out for a 20-14 victory.
The Women's World Series resumes in Dubai at the end of next month.
The Fijiana team huddle during the USA Sevens in Colorado. Photo: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby
