Stingers Fifth at World League Super Final

Australia has taken fifth place from the World League Super Final in Budapest after defeating the host nation 12-7 in the final ranking match.

The Stingers closed out competition with strong wins over Canada and Hungary after their medal hopes were ended by Russia at the quarterfinals stage.

In a spirited battle, the Russians progressed by a single goal, courtesy of a 9-8 win, which relegated Australia into the bottom four classification matches.

Australia ensured they’d be fighting at the pointy end of that scenario with a 15-9 win over Canada which set up a play-off for fifth place with Hungary.

With the Stingers next in action at the FINA World Championships in Korea, they made sure that they’ll head to this year’s major competition with confidence, after dispatching Hungary 12-7 in a clinical display.

With scores tied at 5-5 at half-time, Australia set up victory with a three goal burst to none in the third term, before stretching that advantage to five goals at the final whistle, with a four goal to two fourth quarter.

After the disappointment of missing the medal rounds, Stingers head coach Pedrag Mihailovic said he was encouraged by the team’s fight to close out the tournament.

“I really like my team’s character that they are really strong mentally. I am happy that we finished the tournament with win, after six complicated games. It is really hard to find the energy for the last game.”

Western Australia was represented by Zoe Arancini and Lilian Hedges throughout the World League Super Final tournament. The Fremantle Marlins duo are aiming for selection at this year’s World Championships which run from July 12-28 in Gwangju.