Stingers Lose to Italy

Water Polo: Australia v Italy

Athlete: Gemma Beadsworth, Glencora McGhie, Zoe Arancini

Venue: Marin Lenk Aquatics Centre

The Australian women’s water polo team has suffered a 7-8 defeat in their second group match against Italy on Day 6 of the Rio Olympic Games. 

Having opened their campaign in Brazil with a stunning 10 goal win over Russia, confidence was high leading into the clash with Italy. The Italians however, ensured there would be no repeat of the Stingers’ rapid start against Russia and banked the first three goals of the match to put the Australians on the back foot.

The Aussies managed to peg two goals back before quarter time, but Italy made sure they’d go to the first break with the ascendency, pinching a fourth before the siren for a 4-2 advantage at quarter time.

A series of turn-overs and fouls had hampered the Stingers’ progress in the opening stanza, but they turned the screws in defence in the second quarter to keep the Italians goalless. In truth, the Aussies didn’t fare much better, but did manage to half the deficit and trail by just one goal at half time.

With Rowie Webster and Ash Southern both in strong form for the Stingers, the medal hopefuls went on a three goal to one run to start the second half with Zoe Arancini scoring an audacious lob at 5-5 before the Australians hit the front for the first and only time in the match at 6-5.

As had become a trend for the match, the Italians responded instantly to level scores, and the three quarter time period was reached with a 6-6 stalemate.

With top spot in Group A on the line, both sides commenced the final quarter with demonstrative intensity, Italy hit the front with three minutes to go, with Australia responding on its next attack. A series of turnovers and missed opportunities ensued, before the Italians launched the match winning attack inside the final minute.

Webster and Southern both hit two goals for Australia, whilst Arianna Garibotti scored a hattrick for Italy. The match-up between Australian centre forward Gemma Beadsworth and Italian centre back Federica Radicchi was influential, with the Italian arguably having the better of the duel, which helped steer the game the Europeans’ way.

Australia closes its group stage with a match against hosts Brazil on Saturday morning at 11:40am Perth time.