Australia roared into the final of the Canada Cup women's water polo tournament with a 13-5 victory over Italy on Saturday night.

The semi-final victory was built on 14 saves by goalkeeper Lea Barta and three-goal efforts from power centre forwards Ash Southern and Holly Lincoln-Smith.

The Stingers started cautiously against the 2004 Olympic champions, levelling the first quarter 1-1 before winning the next three 4-2, 3-2 and 5-0.

Captain Kate Gynther, returning to the team after a break, said the feeling in the camp was positive.

"It is good to be back in the team. We are a young team and we are playing well. It is also great to see the goal-scoring has been spread around," she said.

"We had a win against the Italians earlier in the week (15-11) and we knew they would come out today and play a physical game."

In the other semi-final, China beat Canada 10-9 in extra time after the game was level at 8-8 at fulltime. A Chinese goal 13 seconds from time clinched the match.

AAP