Western Australian Institute of Sport athletes Glencora Ralph and Zoe Arancini have been selected in the Australian women’s squad for next month’s World League Finals campaign in China.
Stingers head coach Greg McFadden named a squad of 13 for the FINA World League Finals in Beijing that included three changes to the side that successfully contested the qualifying rounds in Auckland earlier this month.
McFadden was confident of a strong performance by the Aussie Stingers and believed the tournament would provide the girls with a great foundation ahead of the FINA World Championships in July.
“We have sent away a very competitive team and we look forward to seeing where we are at in our preparation ahead of the world championships in Barcelona,” McFadden said.
“Glencora Ralph comes back into the team after being unavailable due to work commitments, while Hannah Buckling and Jayde Appel have been given an opportunity to stake a claim for World Championships selection.
“Hannah and Jayde have just returned from helping USC (University of Southern California) win the NCAA Championships.
“Hannah was in outstanding form throughout the season winning MVP in the MPSF (Mountain Pacific Sports Federation) and also scoring four goals in the NCAA overtime winning gold medal match.
“Jayde was a valuable contributor throughout the tournament and we are looking forward to see what these girls can offer the National team at this level.”
The team is currently in training at the AIS in Canberra and travel to China on Wednesday May 29 ahead their opening World League clash on June 1.
– Water Polo Australia
