Aussie Stingers vs USA Series
Published Mon 27 Aug 2018
Game 3 - 27 August 2018
Reigning Olympic and World Champions the USA have made a clean sweep of the exhibition series in USA, defeating the Aussie Stingers 14-3 at Santa Barbara High School.
Game three marked the end of the week long training camp and exhibition matches held in L.A as both sides make their final preparations ahead of the World Cup in Russia.
To watch a full replay, click here.
The USA again showed why they are the world number one, holding the Aussie Stingers scoreless in the first half.
It wasn't until late in the third quarter Australia were able to get on the scoreboard courtesy of a Hannah Buckling goal. But the USA were quick to respond with four consecutive goals to lead 8-1 heading into the fourth quarter.
While the Aussies managed a further two goals in the final quarter courtesy of Keesja Gofers and Morgan Baxter, there was no taking away from the strength of the USA side.
From here the team will be selected for the World Cup which starts on 4 September 2018.
Scoring
USA 14 (2, 2, 4, 6)
AUS 3 (0, 0, 1, 2)
Image: USA Water Polo Photographer, Catharyn Hayne
Game 2 - 23 August 2018
Pebble Beach, California was the backdrop for game two Australia-USA exhibition series, with hosts USA Women's National Team taking back to back victories, after an 11-4 win at the Stevenson School.
Another big crowd settled was on hand for the training matches as the Olympic champions once again dominated throughout the match.
To watch a full replay of the match, click here.
The two teams finish the series on Monday morning 10:30am AEST at Santa Barbara High School in Santa Barbara, CA (2pm USA local time).
Australia started well to be able to match the USA in both attack and defence, trailling by one at the end of the first quarter 2-3.
Unfortunately the Aussies Stingers were held scoreless during the second quarter while the USA took a commanding 6-2 lead at half time.
While the Aussies were able to get back on the scoreboard in the third and fourth quarters (one a piece), the USA built their momentum and were able to carry through to the end to take the win 11-4.
The Aussie Stingers are using the exhibition games in the USA as part of their training camp and preparation for the FINA World Cup.
Following the final game on Monday the Aussie Stingers will look to finalise the team selection for the World Cup in Russia that starts on 4 September.
Scoring
USA 11 (3, 3, 2, 3)
AUS 4 (2, 0, 1, 1) B. Knox 1, B. Halligan 1, Z. Arancini 1, A. Ridge 1
Image: USA Water Polo Photographer, Catharyn Hayne
Game 1 - 20 August 2018
Berkeley, CA - In front of a sold out crowd at the Spieker Aquatics Complex, the reigning Olympic championships USA Women’s National Team opened their three game exhibition series against Australia with a 9-2 victory.
Watch a full replay of the match is available by clicking here.
The Aussie Stingers will use the exhibition series as part of their preparation leading into the FINA World Cup that starts on 4 September 2018. The series provides the opportunity for to test different combinations and tactics before the final team is selected for the World Cup.
The two teams will meet again on Thursday morning (AEST) at the Stevenson School in Pebble Beach, CA .
The game will live stream at Facebook.com/usawp and YouTube.com/usawp with live stats offered at TheFOSH.net.
Team USA jumped out to a quick 2-0 lead in the first quarter and they would add one more just before the break to take a 3-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The showed why they are ranked number one in the world, continuing to dominate throughout the second quarter to lead 5-0 lead at halftime.
The match provided both sides with the chance to test the new rules - see below preview for full details.
It wasn't until late in the third quarter the Aussies were able to get on the scoreboard courtesy of a goal from three time Olympian Bron Knox.
There was another goal from Hannah Buckling in the last quarter, but a physical USA side proved too strong for the young Aussie team.
Scoring
USA 9 (3, 2, 2, 2)
AUS 2 (0, 0, 1, 1) H. Buckling 1, B. Knox 1
Saves - USA - A. Johnson 4, A. Longan 4 - AUS - G. Palm 8
Image: USA Water Polo Photographer, Catharyn Hayne
Preview
In the build up to the FINA Women’s World Cup the Aussie Stingers have landed in L.A where they will play a thee match friendly against arch rivals and reigning Olympic and World Champions USA.
The squad are basing themselves in California as part of the training camp and test match series, with the Aussie Stingers eager to get as match game time experience under their belt ahead of the FINA Women’s World Cup that kicks off on 4 September in Russia.
All three matches will be available to watch live streamed via the USA Water Polo Facebook and YouTube pages.
Live stats for all matches will also be available via TheFOSH.net.
As part of the test match series, news rules will be tested as outlined below.
FINA Test Rules (subject to change)
- Shot clock resets to 20 seconds after corner throws, on rebounds with no change of possession and after exclusions.
- Free throws taken from the location of the ball except inside 2 meters
- On corner throw and free throw players may: shoot directly, swim and shoot without passing or pass.
- Substitutions can take place anywhere between goal line and center field line on teams half of the pool. Not allowed for excluded players
- 3-minute halftime break
- Can shoot and score after foul outside six meters
- Goalkeeper can move beyond the half distance line and touch the ball
- Two timeouts allowed per team at anytime, except after awarding of penalty shot
- If player is impeded from behind inside six meters in an attempt to shoot, penalty will be awarded.
AUS vs USA MATCH DETAILS
Match 1, August 19 - University of California, 4pm (August 20, 9am AEST)
Match 2, August 22 - Stevenson School, Pebble Beach, 5:30pm (August 23, 10:30am AEST)
Match 3, August 26 - Santa Barbara High School, 2pm (August 27, 7am AEST)
Aussie Stingers Squad
Alice Williams
Amy Ridge
Bronte Halligan
Bronwen Knox
Elle Armit
Gabriella Palm
Genevieve Longman
Hannah Buckling
Isobel Bishop
Keesja Gofers
Lilian Hedges
Madeleine Steere
Morgan Baxter
Pascalle Casey
Rowie Webster (c)
Zoe Arancini
