Anchor: The South Korean women’s ice hockey team has endured some tough times due to lack of support and popularity. So much so that the national team happens to be the only female ice hockey team in the country. But against all odds, it beat out powerhouse China in the winter Asian Games on Thursday.
Park Jong-hong reports.
 
Report: [Sound bite: Women's hockey match S. Korea vs. China (Asian Winter Games / Feb. 23)]
 
The South Korean team gave it their all in the match against China.
 
Despite trying with all their might to fend off the offensive, they initially gave away two goals.
 
In what seemed like an uphill battle, the South Korean women’s ice hockey team evened the score thanks to Park Jong-a and Caroline Park.
 
[Sound bite: Shootout during match S. Korea vs. China (Asian Winter Games / Feb. 23)]
 
And in the shootout in overtime, the team clinched a dramatic victory for South Korea.
 
With goalie Shin So-jung blocking the 10th shot by China, Park Jong-a sealed the game.
 
Shin couldn’t be happier as it was the first win against China after seven consecutive losses over the last 18 years.
 
[Sound bite: Shin So-jung - goalie, S. Korean Women’s Nat'l Ice Hockey Team (Korean)]
“I am so happy that we could show how much we’ve grown and overwhelmed with the first victory against China.”
 
The team has much to be grateful for as its lack of popularity has meant women’s ice hockey has enjoyed little support.
 
The athletes are comprised of a diverse group with a pianist and a medical school student among their ranks, all with the same passion for the sport.
 
Unfortunately the team doesn’t have a shot at a medal, as they fell behind in goal differentials and had to settle for fourth place.
 
No problem says head coach Sarah Murray as they have set their sights for next year at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
 
[Sound bite: Sarah Murray - coach, S. Korean Women’s Nat'l Ice Hockey Team (English)]
"This is my first time having a really, really important role on a team. You know, we are going to the Olympics that was my dream as a child."
 
The athletes who have come a long way now look forward to wowing the world a second time in Pyeongchang.
Park Jong-hong KBS World Radio News