Aussie Stingers go down fighting to formidable USA

The Aussie Stingers went down fighting against a formidable USA side 7-10, with the defending Olympic champions taking out the third game and series decider in Brisbane tonight.

Despite a very strong start from the Aussies, leading by one goal heading into the final quarter, the USA came out firing to out score the Aussies five to one in the final period.

The Aussie Stingers earlier this week broke the USA 69 game winning streak in their first international series since the 2019 FINA World Championships.

While the result in the final test didn’t go the Australians way, Captain Rowie Webster said she was pleased for all the Aussie fans who had turned out for their last international match on home soil ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

“I think both teams had reviewed a lot of footage and knew what the other team would deliver which is what I think created a low score at half time. This is all about our journey (towards Tokyo) and I think all three games were good.

“It was a privilege to host the USA and to jag a win against them… you can only play the opposition in front of you and we have always said we just need to focus on our game plan,” she said.

Rio Olympian Lea Yanitsas was sensational in goals tonight, enjoying the opportunity to train and compete against the world’s top team.

“Having America join us in Brisbane has been absolutely fantastic. They are the best team in the world and there's nothing better than to practice against the best in the world,” said Yanitsas.

“It's a good feeling beating America. That’s what you train for, that's what you do all the hard yards for.

“You always want the most incredible training environment and America helped bring that and we're really grateful that they could join us here this week.

“Things are going well, we still have loads to improve on which is a fantastic place to be as it means that we've got room to grow and keep challenging ourselves,” she said.

Players will now head back to their Clubs for the OVO Australian Water Polo League before the next international tour and competition at the FINA World League Inter-continental Cup.

Results

FULL TIME: AUS 7 - USA 10

QUARTER TIME: 1-2, 1-1, 4-2, 1-5

AUSTRALIA: 1. Gabi Palm 2. Keesja Gofers (2) 3. Hannah Buckling 4. Bronte Halligan 5. Abby Andrews (1) 6. Bron Knox 7. Rowie Webster (2) 8. Amy Ridge (1) 9. Zoe Arancini (1) 10. Lena Mihailovic 11. Elle Armit 12. Matilda Kearns 13. Lea Yanitsas

USA: 1. Gabby Stone 2. Maddie Musselman 3. Melissa Seidemann (1) 4. Rachel Fattal (2) 5. Paige Hauschild (1) 6. Maggie Steffens (1) 7. Stephania Haralabidis (3) 8. Kiley Neushul 9. Aria Fischer 11. Makenzie Fischer (1) 12. Alys Williams (1) 13. Ashleigh Johnson 14. Jamie Neushul