Stingers Edged Out in a Nail Bitter

Australia’s women’s water polo team has suffered a heart breaking 9-8 loss against the USA in the semi final match at the Ying Dong Natatorium to go through to the gold medal clash.

Australia made up significant damage in the fourth quarter after USA led 8-5 at the final change, with their defence seemingly impregnable, but the Stingers lived up to their name in the final phases drawing level at 8-8 and threatened to take the match into extra time before US captain, Brenda Villa’s last minute goal drove a stake through Australia’s heart.

The Australians started well and went goal for goal with the American girls in the first half with scores tied 2-2 at quarter time and 4-4 at the halfway point. Kate Gynther’s good form continued with three goals whilst Rippon, Knox and West Australian Gemma Beadsworth all posed significant threats.

Gemma Beadsworth was forced from the pool in the third term after collecting three exclusions, and the American’s exploited the loss of one of Australia’s brightest young talents with a solid defensive game from an experienced line up.

Despite the disappointment of missing out on the gold medal match, Australia still has a shot at redemption when it faces the loser of the second semi-final between the Netherlands and Hungary on Thursday.