The Aussie Stingers have kick started their Tokyo Olympic Games campaign in style, with a gutsy 8-5 win over Canada.
With no international competition since January 2020, the Aussie Stingers were itching to get back in the pool, and came out strong to lead from the outset.
Olympic debutant Bronte Halligan scored an early goal, one minute into the game, to secure the lead for the team.
Halligan’s goal haul eventuated in a hat-trick, the 24-year-old rising to the occasion in her first Olympic outing.
Fellow Olympic debutant Abby Andrews also added one to the goal tally, with additional goals coming from Dual Olympians Zoe Arancini and Keesja Gofers, Captain Rowie Webster and four time Olympian Bron Knox.
Lea Yanitsas gave her team the upper edge, proving crucial in goals for the Aussie Stingers with an incredible 13 saves from shot at goal.
For Halligan, she couldn't have hoped for a better start for Olympic debut.
“That was huge, it was so much fun out there. The girls around me did all the work and I was just lucky enough to put the balls away,” said Halligan.
“I was surprised I wasn’t nervous, I’ve been preparing for this for so long, I was just so excited to play. It is my passion and today’s win was a real team effort.”
Knox today made Australian Olympic Team history becoming the first women’s water polo player to go to four Olympic Games. She had high praise for Halligan’s first match.
“She (Bronte Halligan) was fantastic working up and down the pool, along with all the others, we can’t fault them,” said Knox.
While spectators, including friends and family at home, couldn’t be there to watch, Knox said the Aussie Stingers have felt nothing but support from Australia, including the tight knit water polo community.
“We felt them in the water, you can’t see them in the crowd but you feel them in your hearts,” said Knox.
“You know they are sitting on the edge of their seats, biting their nails, crossing their fingers and hoping that we are going to come away with a win.”
The Aussie Stingers will be back in action on Monday 26 July at 8.50pm AEST against the Netherlands, who make their return to the Olympic stage after a 13 year hiatus.
