The Aussie Stingers swept aside Japan 16-4 to win the Asia-Oceania zone of the FINA World League, qualifying alongside China for next month’s Super Finals in San Diego, USA.
WAIS-AIS scholarship holders Gemma Beadsworth, Glencora Ralph and Zoe Arancini all played important roles in qualifying for the Stingers, with the trio instrumental in helping Australia top the zone group.
Australia went through the six-match rounds with just a penalty-shootout loss to China but won the return match to finish with 16 points to China’s 14 while Kazakhstan and Japan bowed out.
Glencora Ralph (Fremantle Marlins) top-scored with three goals in the Stingers final match against Japan as the Stingers led 6-0 at the quarter and 9-3 at halftime before heading into the last with an unassailable 13-3 advantage.
Head coach Greg McFadden was pleased with the effort against Japan, and is now looking forward to preparing for the World League in the US next month.
“A solid first quarter of defence saw us race to a 6-0 lead. The Japanese then played a more mobile second quarter, which created some confusion in our defence and earned them some exclusions, allowing them to score three goals; equal to our quarter.
“In the third quarter we adjusted our defence and eliminated the exclusions while making more steals on the edge of their attack. This enabled us to dominate the quarter, scoring four more goals.
“We continued this play in the fourth quarter to take the game to 16-4.
“I am very pleased with our progression from our first game through to today where our defence was solid throughout the whole game. The girls are also starting to combine well in attack.
“We now go into two official test matches against the Chinese followed by a three-day training camp before heading to Italy. This tour then culminates with the FINA World League Super Finals in the USA where we are working toward a good result.”
– Water Polo Australia
