Sydney Uni women’s water polo Lions guest player Jillian Kraus certainly made her presence felt in just her third game of a six-match stint, netting five goals in the Lions 14-10 win against arch-rivals Balmain in last Thursday’s National Water Polo League (NWPL) match at the Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatic Centre (SUSAC).
Currently on leave from studies and training with the US national team, Kraus put on a fine all-round performance for the Lions who were in serious foul trouble from the outset in a tough contest. The California native and UCLA graduate scored three action goals and two extra man strikes, all from the left side of the pool.
She was ably backed up by Keesja Gofers (four goals), Bronte Halligan two and Isobel Bishop, Sarah Harris and Emily Scott (one each).
The Lions still have injury problems, but team physio Alex Nicholson is confident the bulk of the inconvenience may be cleared up with treatment and also having last weekend off.
Coach Ian Trent remains hopeful that Stingers centre back Hannah Buckling may be able to make her first appearance of the season sometime during this week’s busy schedule after a debilitating shoulder injury.
The Lions travel to Drummoyne on Thursday to play the Devils at 6.45pm, before returning home to meet the Cronulla Sharks in a re-scheduled game on Friday at 9.15pm. They then back up on Sunday for a home fixture against the Hunter Hurricanes at 3.00pm.
Sydney Uni stand at a healthy 9-2 record and success in this week’s games can really put them on the right track to reach the NWPL finals series for the first time in three seasons.
