The Australian women’s water polo team aka the Aussie Stingers, have won silver at the FINA World League Intercontinental Tournament. The tournament was played in Lewisville, America from February 16th to 21st.
The Stingers featured an impressive 5 members from our Sydney University Lions National Water Polo League team. Bronte Halligan, Hannah Buckling, Isobel Bishop, Keesja Gofers and Lea Yanitsas made the trip to Lewisville and all played their role exceptionally throughout the week.
On their way to the final the Stingers knocked off China, Canada, Brazil and Japan, only losing to the USA in the pool games 8-5. The Stingers would again face off with the hosts in the final in what was set to be a cracking affair.
The American’s jumped out to a fast start in the final, leading 3-0 at the quarter time break. Yet in true fighting Australian spirit, our girls rallied in a spirited comeback in the second quarter to go into half time only down 4-3. In a tight second half the Stingers were unfortunately unable to level with the American’s, going goal for goal and eventually going down 6-5 to the host nation. A special mention must go to our Keesja Gofers for her two goal performance in final.
The next major tournament for the Stingers will be the FINA World League Final in China from 7-12 June before the Rio Olympics in August. Great job girls!
