Stingers Set-up USA Showdown at FINA World Champs

The Aussie Stingers have set up a quarter-final clash with arch rival USA after completing their group stage matches with a 16-2 win over France.

The Stingers responded well to an earlier defeat at the hands of Greece to post a comprehensive victory over France, led by strong performances by Zoe Arancini (four goals), Bronte Halligan (three goals) and Rowie Webster (three goals).

Aussie Stingers Head Coach Sakis Kechagias, said he was pleased how his new look team has come together throughout this Tournament but suggested his side would have a tough challenge against the reigning Olympic champion.

“I wouldn’t say that any game is easy at this level, but we thought of this game as a challenge, in which we came out on top,” Kechagias said.

“It’s nice to see some of the younger girls step up and show what they are capable of doing, score some goals and make good decisions.

“There’s obviously a huge rivalry between us and the USA because of certain games that we played in the past. They are the reigning champions so it’s going to be a really hard game for us. They’re in top condition at the moment,” he said.

Arancini has been in excellent form for the Australians through the group phase and is joined in the Stingers squad by fellow West Aussies Lilian Hedges and Jessica Zimmerman.

Australia will take on USA in the quarter final of the Budapest FINA World Championships this evening from 10:10pm Perth time.