Arancini to Headline WA Talent at World League Super Final

Zoe Arancini will headline WA’s representation in the Australian Stingers team for the 2019 FINA World League Super Final after Water Polo Australia this week announced its squad.

The 27 year-old is one of three WA talents set to travel this weekend for Europe as the Australian team finalises its preparations for the World League tournament to be held in Budapest from June 5.

Goalkeepers Lilian Hedges and Genevieve Longman (now based in Sydney) have also made the Stingers’ 15-strong squad with the Australians set to take on Italy, China and the Netherlands in Group A.

The Aussies are already looking forward to the prospect of coming up against global super power USA and Arancini said it would be a great litmus test for the group.

“Any opportunity to play against USA is a fantastic opportunity,” Arancini said. “They’re the best in the world and you want to be playing against those teams, especially in preparation for World Championships and Olympic Games.”

Arancini said the Aussies would be tested at every stage but the team was up for the challenge.

“The Netherlands are European Champions and Italy is always strong. We beat China (at the Inter-continental Cup) in Perth, but they’re not to be underestimated.

“We’re a competitive team and we’re expecting close matches but we’re up for the challenge.
“It will be great, I’m looking forward to see how we go,” she said.

The World League Super Final is the team’s final competitive opportunity before the FINA World Championships which will be held in Korea in July.

-with Water Polo Aus