Stingers Defeat Hosts China at World League

The Australian Women’s Water Polo Team have kick started their FINA World League Super Final campaign in style, claiming back to back wins after recording a 10-3 win over China.

It was a tall ask for the Aussies in front of a loud home crowd – but the Stingers dominated from the outset taking control of the game in both attack and defence.

With Rio Olympic team selection on the line the Aussie players were putting it all on the line, with Australian Head Coach Greg McFadden pleased with the team’s result.

“I was very happy with team’s performance. The first quarter we started really well and took control of the game,” he said.

“The second quarter I was a little disappointed because we had a lot of exclusions against us and luckily our defence was quite solid.

“But the second half we really took control and it was a very pleasing performance. Now we play Italy and hopefully we can play four good quarters of water polo,” said McFadden.

Celebrating her 200th international game for Australia, London Olympian Nicola Zagame was the first to put the Aussies on the scoreboard.

“Today’s result against China was good for us, we knew it was going to be hard coming up against them in front of their home crowd.

“We are happy with the game and looking forward to taking on Italy now. We have something to prove against Italy because we lost to them at World Championships finishing fourth,” said Zagame.

The Australians will be out for redemption against a tough Italian outfit after suffering a disappointing loss in the bronze medal game at the 2015 World Championships. It will be a good test for both sides ahead of the Olympic Games, as they will come face to face in the preliminary rounds in Rio.

The match will take place on Thursday in the final preliminary round ahead of Friday’s quarter finals.

-WaterPoloAus