Italy hold on to narrowly defeat Stingers

To kick off 2018, the Aussie Stingers hosted the Rio Olympic Games silver medallists for a week long training camp in Perth.

As part of the visit the sides played a three Test Match Series at Bicton and UWA pools as they prepare for the international season which kicks off next month with the FINA World League Intercontinental Tournament in New Zealand.

Third Test; Sunday 28 January

Italy have taken a clean sweep of the test match series in Perth, after an 8-6 win over the Aussie Stingers tonight in Perth.

The strong Italian side, that boasts seven Rio Olympians, dominated the first half to lead 5-1 at half time.

But the young Aussie Stingers side used their home crowd to lift in the second half, out scoring the Italians in the third quarter.

Rio Olympian Keesja Gofers, the leading goal scorer for the Aussies throughout the test series with nine goals, was pleased with how the team bounced back in the second half.

“It wasn’t a great start for us but we stuck to our systems, the things we are trying to learn and they did come off,” said Gofers.

“While we couldn’t make it there in the end, they came off with a couple of goals late and took the game away.

“But we are confident in our system and we’ve just got to keep on practicing them and perfecting them,” she said.

While the Aussie Stingers weren’t able to secure a win across the three games, Olympian Hannah Buckling said the team were happy to for the game time against one of the best sides in the world.

“We have just come off the back of three test matches against Italy where we had three tough losses.

“It was tough (Series), but it is always good to scrimmage against the reigning Olympic silver medallists and we gave it a hard fight.. we just couldn’t get there in the end,” said Buckling.

Next up for the Aussie Stingers is the training camp and games with the USA ahead of the FINA World League Tournament that will be held in New Zealand in April.

Results

AUS 6 ITA 8

Qtr Scores: 1-2; 0-3; 3-2; 2-2

AUS Goal scorers: Gofers (2) Buckling (1) Ridge (1) Casey (2)

AUSTRALIAN TEAM

Lilian Hedges
Keesja Gofers
Hannah Buckling
Sofia Chaves
Abby Andrews
Amy Ridge
Alice Williams
Danielle Morrissey
Zoe Arancini (c)
Jessica Zimmermann
Sophie Milliken
Pascalle Casey
Gabi Palm

Second Test; Saturday 27 January: Italy power home to take second win

Despite a strong start from the Australian Women’s Team, Italy powered home to take out the second test at UWA Pool 9-6.

The first quarter there was nothing in it, with Aussies coming out in the first half to lead 3-2.  But Italy proved too strong in the second half keeping the Aussies to one goal a quarter while keeping up their attack.

More to come…

The third test will be held at Bicton Pool tomorrow, Sunday 28 January 7pm (WA) 10pm (AEDT) and will be streamed on streamed on OVO Play

Results

AUS 6 ITA 9

Qtr Scores: 3-2; 1-2; 1-3; 1-2

AUS Goal scorers: Gofers (3) Zimmerman (1) Arancini (1) Casey (1)

AUSTRALIAN TEAM

Lilian Hedges
Keesja Gofers
Hannah Buckling
Elle Armit
Abby Andrews
Amy Ridge
Alice Williams
Danielle Morrissey
Zoe Arancini (c)
Jessica Zimmermann
Sophie Milliken
Pascalle Casey
Gabi Palm

First Test; Thursday 25 January: Aussie Stingers go down to Italy in first test

The Aussie Stingers have suffered a narrow, last minute loss to Italy at home in Perth, going down 10-12.

It was a closely contest between both sides, with Australia holding the lead at multiple points throughout the game.

But the Rio Olympic silver medallists Italy were able to snag two last minute goals to take out the first or the three test match series.

The test matches form part of the training camp currently underway in Perth, designed to give both sides the opportunity to try new combinations and gain international experience.

It was a strong performance from the Aussie Stingers with their team featuring four debutants, including Pascalle Casey who managed to get her first goal.

Perth local and Rio Olympian Zoe Arancini captained the Aussie Stingers from in front with a strong game, while regular captain Rowie Webster was supporting the team from the sideline while recovering from injury.

Rio Olympian Keesja Gofers maximised her experience to score an impressive four goals for the Aussie Stingers.

Next game will be held on Saturday night 7pm (WA) 10pm (AEDT) with all games to be streamed on OVO Play

Results

AUS 10 ITA 12

Qtr Scores: 3-3; 3-4; 1-1; 3-4

AUS Goal scorers: Gofers (4) Buckling (2) Ridge (2) Arancini (1) Casey (1)

AUSTRALIAN TEAM

Lilian Hedges
Keesja Gofers
Hannah Buckling
Elle Armit
Abby Andrews
Amy Ridge
Alice Williams
Danielle Morrissey
Zoe Arancini (c)
Jessica Zimmermann
Sophie Milliken
Pascalle Casey
Gabbi Palm