Aussie Stingers book spot in World Cup Super Final with win over Italy

The Aussie Stingers have secured a World Cup Super Final berth, after today’s win against Italy.

With the first phase of World Cup wrapped up, Australia have advanced to phase two, and three more games to play in Greece to determine their seeding for the World Cup Super Final in April.

Australia came out firing, eager to cement their position in the top four. Yesterday’s MVP Charlize Andrews opened the goal scoring four the Aussies, converting in the first minute of the game.

Olympic silver medalist, and NSWIS Institute of Sport scholarship holder, Dani Jackovich converted two goals in the first quarter, while Pippa Pedley and Abby Andrews also added their name to the scoresheet, to push the Aussies lead to 5-1 at quarter time.

Andrews scored another in the second quarter, while two-time Olympian Bronte Halligan (NSWIS) scored from six metres to give the Aussies a 7-2 lead at half time. Another two goals went to left hander Andrews in the third quarter, and Nioka Thomas also slotted one into the back of the cage.

A fourth quarter goal by Alice Williams, and a final goal to Abby Andrews, saw the Stingers close out the game 12-8. Andrews was named MVP of the game, but she said it required a full team effort to get the win.

“It was a super important step for us to move forward,” she said. “Last time we did World Cup we fell agonisingly short of making the next stage.

“So knowing that we’re onto the next stage is huge for us as a team, especially as a young team. We went into that (today’s) game knowing that Italy is always going to be feisty and be fast, but we came out firing and it was so awesome to watch everyone in unison and to really stamp our mark on the game.

“There’s still a lot to learn, we slowed down a bit towards the end and almost let them back in, so there’s a lot to fix but a really exciting signs from the start.”

Australia’s next game is a rematch of the Paris Olympic Games gold medal match, where they will take on Spain on Saturday 18 January at 6am AEDT.

AUSSIE STINGERS DRAW

Wednesday 15 January | Australia 9 def by Netherlands 11

Thursday 16 January | Australia 15 d Israel 6

Friday 17 January | Australia 12 d Italy 8

Saturday 18 January | 6am AEDT | Australia v Spain

Sunday 19 January | 4am AEDT | Australia v Greece

Monday 20 January | 6am AEDT | Australia v Netherlands

Story and photos courtesy of Water Polo Australia