Bermuda women’s hockey team coach Kovin Moodley was left highly satisfied at the conclusion of the three-match series against the University of California Berkeley.

The visiting team undertook a preseason tour of Bermuda to assist Moodley’s side prepare for this month’s Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Having lost the opening two matches 9-2 and 7-0, Bermuda were able to redeem themselves in the last encounter, going down to a narrow 2-0 defeat.

Moodley attributed Thursday’s improved display to the return of some key personnel to his squad.

“We were able to have a couple more players back for the game so it gave a bit more stability, we had a full complement back, it allowed us to play our tactics and the things that we we’ve worked on instead of constantly adapting,’’ said Moodley.

“It was great to have three games that challenged us in very different ways and then to finish off the final game where we had a bit more control during the game.

“We had a bit more possession of the ball as well to be able to link up and build up because it felt like the first two games we were quite rushed.”

He expressed his appreciation to the University of California for choosing Bermuda as their port of call to prepare for their new season starting in August.

“I am really grateful for University of California to select Bermuda as a destination for their tour,” he added. “They tour once every four years, so it’s quite prestigious for us to be able to offer them something that allowed them to prepare for their season.”

Bermuda play their first match against Barbados on June 27, before taking on Dominican Republic days later and conclude against Puerto Rico on July 1.

With just over two weeks before the team’s departure, Moodley is keen to fine tune preparations with the target of a top-four finish in the eight-team tournament.

“We are looking to win two out of those three pool games. I believe that will give us a top two finish,” he said. “Our plan is to go out nice and strong in our first two games which hopefully gives us a bit of perspective on how to manage ourselves for the last pool stage game.”

Having enjoyed vital match practice, 19-year-old first-choice goalkeeper Christina Stephens, who attends Dalhousie University in Canada, believes the team is now well prepared for the CAC Games.

“We are definitely more prepared now for the CAC Games,” she said.

“Them coming down offered us a new level of play and it showed us different play styles, how to work around it and how to combat it.”

Reflecting on the University’s tour experience, Kiki de Bruijne was left in awe by Bermuda on her first visit to the island.

“Bermuda is a very special country, it was special seeing it through pictures but seeing it in real life has definitely blown me away in a lot of ways,” said the Netherlands native.

“The Bermuda Day Parade for me was the unique experience, I have national holidays, too, in Holland but we don’t have one like Bermuda Day where everyone just cheers you around, it’s so welcoming.”

Team-mate, Claire Hind, also hailed the experience of touring on island.

“I have loved every second of it, the culture is amazing, the community is amazing, its beautiful, the nature here is beautiful,” she said. “It’s a place I never thought I would have a chance to go to, so its been amazing that we’ve been able to come out.”