Ireland 0-3 New Zealand

Jenny McDonagh made her 100th appearance for Ireland

Ireland finished their four-match series in New Zealand with a defeat by the hosts in Wellington on Saturday.

Belfast Harlequins player Jenny McDonagh was winning her 100th Irish cap and her second-half strike was brilliantly saved by the Kiwi keeper.

"We played four very challenging matches - we were very fatigued and it showed," said Irish coach Gene Muller.

"We produced some good hockey without any injuries so this was a huge step forward for us."

Ireland lost 4-0 and 3-1 against China but beat New Zealand 2-1 in their first meeting of the series with Louisa Moore and O'Halloran on target.

The games are part of the preparation for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Canada from 26 April to 4 May.