The Sydney Uni Lions Women’s Water Polo team completed a difficult road-trip to Albury-Wodonga, taking home a win and a draw against perennial National League finalists the Victorian Tigers.
As part of the opening of the new Wodonga Waves Aquatic Centre, the Lions came back from 3-1 down in the first quarter to lead the Tigers by two with two minutes remaining in Game 1. Events conspired against Sydney Uni, and the Tigers managed to convert an extra man to tie at 7-7 at the death. National squad goalkeepers Lea Barta (Lions) and Victoria Brown (Tigers) were up against each other in the subsequent shootout and they each saved 2 of the 5 penalties for the game to end at 10-10.
The Tigers were strengthened by the inclusion of three players for the return game but the Lions rose to the occasion and with a totally committed effort managed to win with a sensational Keesja Gofers backhand with just five seconds remaining for a deserved 10-9 victory.
Gofers finished the weekend with seven goals whilst Gabby Wikman and Jo Whitehorn each netted three. Once again Lea Barta was outstanding in goals behind a superb defence.
The Lions now face National League heavyweights the Brisbane Barracudas on Tuesday at 6.30pm and on Friday at 8.00pm, with the return match against the Drummoyne Devils also at home at the Sydney Uni Sports & Aquatic Centre on Saturday at 2.30pm.
