A Glencora McGhie brace has helped the Australian women’s water polo team to an 8-4 win over Russia in their opening match of the FINA World League Super Finals in China.
The WAIS scholarship holder scored in the first and fourth quarters to support a hattrick from Nicola Zagame as the Australians made a strong statement in their opening pool match.
It was an even start, with both sides scoring three goals to quarter time, but it was the Stingers who would eventually edge ahead to build a four-goal advantage over the final three quarters to open their week in Shanghai in the best possible way.
Goals to Keesja Gofers and Nicola Zagame created a two-goal buffer for the Stingers, whilst tight defence, saw the Russians held scoreless in the second quarter as the Aussies led 5-3 at the half time break.
Although the Stingers defence again prevented Russia from scoring in the third term, goals were also hard to come by for Australia with Zagame’s second for the match the only score in a tight third term.
Russia attempted to mount a comeback in the fourth, finding the back of the cage early, but the Stingers made their dominance count, responding with two goals to put the result beyond doubt.
WAIS athlete Zoe Arancini is also in the Stingers’ Super League Finals squad.
Australia’s next match at the FINA World League Super Finals will be against hosts China, with the Stingers looking to build on their opening round victory.
