Close encounter for Aussie Stingers in opening test match against USA
Published Tue 14 Jan 2020
The Aussie Stingers put on a thrilling display of water polo in the opening test match against the USA, pushing right until the final minute, narrowly going down 9-10.
The USA led early, scoring four goals to Australia’s three in the first quarter, going on to dominate the second quarter and take a 7-5 lead heading into the second half.
But the Aussie Stingers weren’t going down without a fight, keeping the USA to just one goal in the third quarter, before mounting a last quarter comeback, outscoring the USA three goals to two.
Aussie Stingers Captain Rowie Webster, Rio Olympian Zoe Arancini and local Brisbane star Abby Andrews all added one goal each to the teams’ three goal final quarter haul.
Webster said she couldn't be happier with how her squad performed against the number one side in the world.
"To come out here tonight and only have one goal between us in the end, I couldn't be happier.
"Our girls stepped up and delivered in front of this great crowd, who really spurred us and got behind us.
"We have come out of a three month Olympic training camp in Canberra so to be able to come out, our first major game of the Olympic year, its really pleasing this close to Tokyo.
Young gun Abby Andrews said the opportunity to host the USA is one she is cherishing.
“We’ve been training with them for the last few days and knew we were really going to have to bring it tonight,” Andrews said.
“Seeing a 9-10 score line in a really intense match, especially when they’re using all their best players - we are all so hyped,” she said.
Webster said that the win had added meaning for all the Aussies tonight, with both the women’s and men’s teams supporting the bushfire appeals.
"It was made even more special for us tonight that we were able to contribute to the bushfire appeal in support volunteer firefighters, it's just our small contribution like so many in the sporting community," said Webster.
A total of 22 goals were scored across the two matches, with a total of $2200 to be donated to the State Volunteer Fire Services.
The Aussie Stingers will come up against the USA again on Thursday 16 Jan in the second match of the series.
There are limited tickets available, head to https://AUSvUSAtix to secure your seat.
If you can’t be in Brisbane, all the action will be streamed LIVE on OVO Play.
Scores: AUS 9-USA 10
Qtr score: 3-4; 2-3; 1-1; 3-2
AUS:
- Gabi Palm 2. Keesja Gofers 3. Hannah Buckling (2) 4. Bronte Halligan 5. Abby Andrews (1) 6. Bronwen Knox 7. Rowie Webster (1) 8. Amy Ridge (1) 9. Zoe Arancini (3) 10. Lena Mihailovic (1) 11. Elle Armit 12. Maddy Steere 13. Lilian Hedges
USA:
- Gabby Stone 2. Maddie Musselman (2) 4. Rachel Fattal (1) 5. Paige Hauschild 6. Maggie Staffens (2) 7. Stephanie Haralabidis (1) 8. Kiley Neushal 9. Aria Fischer (2) 10. Kaleigh Gilchrist 11. Makenzie Fischer (1) 12. Alys Williams (1) 13. Ashleigh Johnson 14. Jamie Neushul
