Aussie Stingers impress on path to Paris

The Aussie Stingers have won the first of three test matches against China on home soil 14-8, as they continue to prepare for the Paris Olympic Games.

After becoming the newest members of the 2024 Australian Olympic Team on Thursday, the Stingers relished the opportunity to play in front of a home crowd at Sutherland Leisure Centre.

It was a dominant performance from the Australians, who came out firing from the first minute.

Tokyo Olympian Abby Andrews opened the scoring, the Aussies going on to convert five goals in the first quarter and keeping the Chinese scoreless.

The Stingers upped the ante in the second quarter, bagging another four goals while the Chinese snuck two goals into the back of the net.

In the third quarter, Tokyo Olympian and New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) scholarship athlete Bronte Halligan was instrumental in the Stingers attack. The home side pushed the margin out to 13-3 heading into the last quarter.

The Aussies scored one goal in the last quarter, to close out the game with a 14-8 victory.

It was a special occasion for Tokyo Olympian Elle Armit, who played her 100th game for the national team.

“We put four quarters together today and we’re pretty happy with how it went,” Armit said.

“The excitement keeps building, and so do we. It was great to play my 100th game today – I never thought I’d get this far.

“These games give us a great insight to how China will be in Paris, and to have the home crowd advantage right behind us one last time before the Olympics is super special.”

The Australian team play their second test match against China at Ryde Aquatic Centre this Wednesday (8pm).

Story courtesy of Water Polo Australia