WATER POLO: The Australian Women’s Water Polo Team have come out firing in their last game against the USA to steal a 5-4 victory over the hosts in Beckman High School, Californiatoday.

It was the return to form the Aussies are best known for with both a strong attacking and defensive game - a positive turn around after suffering two losses to the USA earlier in the week.

In front of the packed home side it was going to be a tall ask for the Aussies to bounce back after the 11-5 loss on Wednesday to the reining Olympic Champions. 

Scores were locked throughout the game with the winning goal from coming from London Olympian Nicola Zagame who scored in extra man with only 49 seconds on left in the final quarter.

The victory gives the squad a boost ahead of the World League Super Final in China next month which is the last major competition ahead of the Rio Olympic Games and the last opportunity for players to impress coaches ahead of Olympic Team selection.

Dual Olympian and Stingers Captain, Bronwen Knox said while it was pleasing the team were able to finish the series on a high, they have to quickly turn their attention to the busy schedule coming up.

“It was a great way to finish the tour. We had a couple of ups and downs throughout the week, but we’ve finished on a high and came away with win.

“Now we’re back on a plane, off to China to play in the Kunshan Cup and World League Final,” said Knox.

The USA and Australia are considered genuine gold medal contenders come the Rio Olympic Games.  The USA will head into the Olympics heavy favourites looking to defend their title while the Aussies look to better their bronze medals from London and Beijing.

Scoring

AUS 5 (1, 2, 0, 2) R. Webster 1, G. Beadsworth 1, N. Zagame 1, B. Knox 1, Z. Arancini 1

USA 4 (1, 2, 0, 1) M. Musselman 1, M. Seidemann 1, R. Fattal 1, M. Steffens 1