Stingers on Track for Super Final Qualification

The Aussie Stingers have won their opening two matches of the Intercontinental Tournament in California as they push for qualification for the World League Super Final.

The Intercontinental Tournament is the Stingers’ first major competition since last year’s Olympic Games in Rio, with a new look squad competing under the guidance of recently appointed head coach Sakis Kechagias.

The Stingers squad contains two local talents, with goalkeeper Lillian Hedges joined by debutant Dayna O’Leary.

The Australians opened their campaign with a solid 13-6 win over China. The win was reward for a consistent display, in which the Aussies won each quarter.

The Stingers were back in action on Thursday, this time recording a 10-7 win over Canada, set up largely, by a dominant opening half that saw the Aussies reach the long break with a 7-3 advantage.

Having won its opening two matches, the Australian Stingers are currently well placed to earn qualification for the Super Final, with the top four nations set to earn entry.

Australia will play further round robin matches with Kazakhstan, Japan and the USA before Sunday’s play-off round which will determine the Intercontinental champions and medallists.

Qualification for the World League Super Final – which is set to be held in Shanghai, China from 6-11 June – will form a crucial part of the squad’s preparations for the FINA World Championships in Hungary next July, where the Australians have been drawn in Group D, along with Russia, Kazakhstan and Greece.