WATER POLO: On the back of their convincing win over the USA, the Aussies once again took hold of the game from the outset to defeat the Netherlands 9-2.
In the first quarter there were some strong saves by the Stingers to keep the Netherlands scoreless taking a 3-0 lead. Both teams put in strong defensive games in the second quarter with no goals scored by either side.
Not until the third quarter did the Netherlands manage to get one by the Aussies. But the Stingers were too strong in both attack and defense, posting four more goals on the board to take the team to 7-1 lead.
The Aussies were too strong in the end putting another two goals on the board while keeping the Netherlands at bay, only allowing one goal to get past.
Australian Women’s Assistant Coach Dalibor Maslan, said the team put in a strong game against a tough Netherlands team.
“Was another great performance by our girls after a pretty slow start on the first game against Canada.
“We stuck to our game plan, the girls came out there and played very physical water polo it was great to watch.
“Keeping the silver medalist from the World Championships down to two goals was a great achievement,” said Maslan.
Goal keepr Kelsey Wakefield was in form providing strong defense in goal.
“We always have a solid defense. We just wanted to make sure that we had our blockers in front of our shooters and we worked on that. That allowed me to save my side of the goal and then we could build on that in to our attack.
“I think it was just a great game by everyone,” said Wakefield.
It was a milestone game for Rowie Webster who played her 200th international game.
“It was an honour to play my 200th game here in Rio, hopefully in a good build up for the 2016 Olympics.
“It was a tough win, they came out and played heavy press. We did our job, I think we really put in a team effort, we had a number of goal scorers.
“To be part of this team and to get a 200th, I’m just stoked,” she said.
The team will now face China as part of the six nation competition in Rio.
WATER POLO AUSTRALIA
