THE Samoan women's hockey side is optimistic of a better finish in the Oceania Pacific Cup compared to last year.
The OPC starts today and is also part of the FIH (International Hockey Federation) World League Round 1.
Samoa finished last year's competition with one draw and three losses.
Team captain Peta Mualia-Teo said they were still in the development stages of the sport but were confident of their chances this week.
She said the team had prepared well and would be looking to finish in the top three.
"Every team prepares to win and we have done the same," Mualia-Teo said.
"We have brought a squad that is half new and half experienced players and can play well as a team," she said.
She said the development program in Samoa had produced some young players that were travelling to Fiji for the first time.
"Last year we had like three women's teams and five men's teams competing but this year, we have 14 women's teams and 16 men's teams and this is a very good sign.
"With the players we have I believe we can finish in the top three in this tournament.
"As for the teams that we are worried about is Fiji and the Australian Country teams," Mualia-Teo said.
The eight-day competition will be held at the National Hockey Centre in Laucala Bay, Suva and will conclude next Saturday.