The Australian women’s water polo team has produced a second half blitz to level its three test series against the USA 1-1 in California.
The Stingers overturned a 3-1 deficit at half time, to storm back to a 7-4 lead, before eventually winning by a single goal, 8-7.
The result, mirrored the score from the first test, which was instead won by the Americans, 8-7.
WAIS athlete Glencora McGhie scored the decisive goal for the Stingers, with just 90 seconds remaining, adding to further goals from fellow WAIS athletes Gemma Beadsworth and Zoe Arancini, whilst WAIS scholarship holder Lilian Hedges had an opportunity to impress in the cage, which she took, pulling out five saves over the course of the match.
The series will be decided in the third test, played on November 27.
Earlier:
A closely fought first game between the US and Australia in La Jolla, Southern California saw the world number one USA claim narrow victory over the Stingers 8-7.
The Australians were left to rue missed opportunities, as the Americans exploited chances of their own late in the game, whilst tightening up in defence to re-claim bragging rights, after the Stingers had beaten the US in the final of the recent six nations tournament in Rio.
While the Aussies had a 6-4 lead at half time, the USA fought back in the second half to really put the pressure on the Stingers and work the sold out crowd to their advantage.
With only six minutes remaining in the final quarter the Aussies maintained at 7-6 lead, but two goals by the USA and a near miss from Australia at the death, saw the home team take the first win in the series.
The Australian squad includes WAIS scholarship athletes; Gemma Beadsworth, Glencora McGhie, Zoe Arancini and Lilian Hedges.
