Silver Medal for Marlins After NWPL Penalty Heartache

The Fremantle Marlins have suffered a penalty shootout defeat (12-11) in the grand final of the 2017 National Water Polo League in Sydney.

The Marlins finished the competition season in third place, but earned passage to the grand final after defeating Balmain and Queensland Breakers en route to setting up a showdown with the Sydney University Lions.

The Lions entered the gold medal match looking to become the first side to complete a season undefeated and they achieved that dream, but not before being pushed to the brink by a plucky Marlins outfit.

Sydney could not shake Fremantle throughout a tense final and despite leading by a goal at half-time, the match was forced to a deciding penalty shootout after fulltime was reached at 8-8.

Olympian Lea Yanitsas came to the fore in the pressure-cooker environment, saving two penalties as the Lions secured a 12-11 win.

WA Olympian Zoe Arancini was awarded selection on the NWPL All Stars team following another consistent season, whilst Madeline Quinn earned finals MVP recognition, after an impressive showing from the 22 year-old.

In the men’s league – the West Magpies defeated the Sydney Uni Lions 6-5 for national bragging rights, following a 15-7 win for Croa over UWA Torpedoes in the bronze medal match.