Penalty shootout determines 18&U Girls gold medal

The Sydney Uni Lions 18&U Girls have claimed the gold medal at the 2020 KAP7 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in a thrilling penalty shootout victory over cross town rivals Drummoyne Devils 10-9.

At the conclusion of what was a massive week of water polo for the 18&U Girls, both teams had fans on the edge of their seats.

Sydney Uni led early, converting four goals to Drummoyne’s two in the first quarter.

But an impressive second quarter from Drummoyne narrowed the scoreline to be within striking distance at the half, trialing by one 4-5.

The teams were evenly matched in the second half, with scores level at the three quarter time as well as the end of regular time.

Moving into the penalty shootout had a very vocal crowd cheering the house down. ome impressive saves from Sydney Uni Lions goal keeper Imogen Hicks in the cage proved the difference for her side. .

Sydney Uni finished ninth at 2019 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships and to improve on that results is something Hicks said they were incredibly proud of.

“It feels great that all the hard work and training, have produced something great,” Hicks said.

“The girls have loved it here in Brisbane and from the look on their faces, it’s been an amazing week.”

Sydney Uni Lions Head Coach, Scott Henderson, said that it was teamwork that got the girls through the week.

“The girls have responded positively in every situation, it’s been a fantastic tournament,” Henderson said.

“We had a draw with them (Drummoyne) in the rounds, so we were thinking it could have gone to penalties,” he said.

“I was hoping it wouldn’t, but it did, and luckily Imo (Hicks) made some good saves.”

Off the back of some impressive saves in the penalty shootout and her consistent performance throughout the KAP7 AYWPC Sydney Uni Lions’ Imogen Hicks was named Most Valuable Goal Keeper with the Most Valuable Player title being awarded to Drummoyne’s Macy Hansford.

ACU Cronulla Sharks defeated UNSW Wests Killer Whales to claim a third place podium finish.

Gold medal match

Sydney Uni Lions 10 d Drummoyne Devils 9

Bronze medal match

ACU Cronulla Sharks 10 d UNSW Wests Killer Whales 9

For full results – visit the Match Centre.

Want to watch the game? Catch the game in full on OVO Play.

Final standings

Gold - Sydney Uni Blue
Silver - Drummoyne Devils
Bronze - ACU Cronulla Sharks
4 - UNSW Wests Killer Whales
5 - UTS Balmain Tigers Gold
6 - SNB Breakers
7 - Mermaids Pink
8 - Mermaids Blue
9 - Triton
10 - BGGS
11 - Melville Marlins
12 - MC Tigers
13 - Barras 
14 - Melville
15 - Tauranga
16 - Sydney Uni Gold
17 - All Hallows
18 - UTS Balmain Tigers Black
19 - UWA Bears
20 - Hunter Hurricanes
21 - Adelaide Jets
22 - NSW Country Composite
23 - Polo Bears

MVP - Macy Hansford (Drummoyne Devils)

MVG - Imogen Hicks (Sydney Uni Blue)