Bermuda’s women’s hockey team were beaten 5-0 by host nation Mexico in their second group game at the Central American and Caribbean Games qualifying tournament.

After a goalless first quarter, Mexico showed their class with goals from Melanie Torres, Melanie Cruz, Ximena Noria, Cristina Moniz and America Sosa to inflict a first defeat of the competition on Bermuda, who beat Guatemala 2-0 in their opening match.

Despite the loss, national coach Kovin Moodley is pleased with the way newcomers to the squad have coped alongside some more familiar names.

“There are quite a few new players and new faces in the team but we’re three years into our programme and it seems as if it is easier for our players to slot in and adapt to the culture because we have got something that’s quite strong and substantial,” Moodley said.

“Against Guatemala it was quite indicative that even in the moments of chaos we were able to adapt and control the game in a faster period of time. It’s amazing to see the energy in the camp but I’ve noticed the players are focused and very driven.”

Moodley is also keen to draw positives form the men’s squad with the team drawing 2-2 with the host nation on Saturday before narrowly losing 1-0 to Guatemala 24 hours later.

With the men’s squad on a rest day on Monday, Moodley had chance to reflect on their opening two performances, starting with the fabulous draw against Mexico.

“The first game was quite important to generate momentum for the team. It was amazing to play 60 minutes of hockey and fight until the final whistle.

“It’s always nice to go into a game and have a great story come out. For us to go two goals down, playing against a team who were fit and more comfortable with the conditions brought out a lot of fight out of the boys.

“Scoring goals at international level is very difficult and for us to be able to score twice in the first game is indicative of our guys commitment to stick to the plan. It’s always a good feeling to be able to neutralise the local support.”

The men’s side followed that with a loss to Guatemala on Sunday but Moodley does not view that defeat as a setback.

“We’re just focused on the process and ensuring that we build the team up step by step,” he said.

“There are still lots of things to be developed and worked on so focusing on the result just leaves us more vulnerable. To play at altitude without a day’s rest has taken a lot out of the bodies and our fitness definitely needs to improve. In terms of the quality of our hockey and the skill set that we have, we could definitely have won that game

“But playing sport at this level is not just about skill, it’s about commitment to the plan and playing for 60 minutes. I think we were unfortunate with the result in that game and we had the potential to win it but we were just not as clinical as we could have been.”

While fitness cannot be improved upon before Bermuda play Venezuela on Tuesday, Moodley has learnt plenty about his team.

“The main thing is we have to create players who have an open and growth mindset,” Moodley said.

“We’ve got guys who play hockey recreationally but when you come to this level and at the point of representing your country you’ve got to have your mind open to taking accountability and move forward. We’ve got tough games coming up but we are in it for the long haul and we want to grow with each game that we play.”