Arancini congratulates Aussies on fighting fifth at U18 worlds

Aussie Stingers captain, and Olympic silver medallist, Zoe Arancini, has commended the teenagers who secured Australia a top five ranking at the 2024 World Aquatics Women’s U18 Water Polo Championships in Chengdu, China

Arancini, a New South Wales Institute of Sport scholarship holder, said the top five finish, which was sealed after Australia defeated Italy 11-10 in a tough match, was yet another positive step in the nation’s emergence on the world stage.

“Fifth is a great result, and the under 16s came third earlier this year,” said Arancini, whose Stingers stunned the world with their performances in Paris. “We are on the right track . . . we definitely have some talent coming through and it’s very promising.

“With Brisbane 2032 approaching you want an emphasis on young, local talent because it’s not every day you get a home Olympics.”

Arancini (pictured left with her Stingers teammates) paid tribute to her former teammate, Rowie Webster, who coached the team.

“‘Row’ has upskilled herself by getting involved in the 2032 Gen program, and I’m very keen to see what she does in the future because she seems to be doing very well,” said Arancini.

The Aussies snatched an early one goal lead in the first quarter thanks to the efforts of Jemma Potts and Sienna Grace Owen. Indeed, Owen scored twice in the opening eight minutes, the highlight of which was a six-metre shot that found the back of the net in the final 30 seconds.

While Italy netted four goals in the second quarter, Australia maintained their lead courtesy of NSW athletes Chelsea Isaac and Christina DiGiandomenico joining Jemma Potts and Bless Daly in scoring goals.

A fantastic third quarter from the team sporting the green and gold battle colours saw them nail three goals while restricting the Italians to just one.

Despite a late surge from the Italian side, Australia held its nerve in the final quarter, securing them a place in the world’s top five teams.

The Australians arrived at the world championships after a 10-day training block in Greece. Their time in Greece included playing official matches against the Greek 18&U national team.

Spain, Greece and Hungary took out the top three places, while the USA finished the tournament in fourth position.

Australia: Bridget Cranley (UWA, WA), Bless Daly (Polo Bears, QLD), Christina DiGiandomenico (Drummoyne, NSW), Saskia Dunn (Balmain, NSW), Tilly Hughes (Polo Bears, QLD), Chelsea Isaac (UNSW, NSW), Olivia Muir (Mermaids, QLD), Isla Mulligan (Triton, WA), Sienna Owen (Mermaids, QLD), Emma Pittman (Triton, WA), Jemma Potts (Richmond, VIC), Izzy Scott (Melville, WA), Indiana Smith (Balmain, NSW), Charley Stephens (Drummoyne, NSW), Matilda Waugh (Balmain, NSWIS)

Daniel Lane, NSWIS