WAIS water polo Olympian Gemma Beadsworth and youngster Zoe Arancini have both helped Australia to a silver medal at the Canada Cup over the weekend.
The Stingers reached the gold medal play-off undefeated but were haunted by their old adversaries the USA – the same nation that knocked Australia from the Olympics last year – in the final.
Australia started the contest brightly and led for much of the first half, but would trial at the main break 5-3 after a late rally by the USA.
The Stingers remained in touching distance into the final quarter and when Beadsworth netted, followed by a score to fellow Olympian Bronwyn Knox the scores were leveled at 7-7.
Memories of Beijing however, were painfully rekindled with Forel Davies posting the decisive the goal with just 58 seconds remaining to seal the Canada Cup for the Americans.
Australia was unbeaten to the final and had humbled the USA 8-4 in their opening encounter.
World No 2 Canada beat 2004 Olympic champion Italy 8-7 for the bronze medal.
All four teams will now play the Holiday Cup in Newport Beach, California alongside Olympic champion Netherlands and Russia, starting on Thursday.
