WATER POLO: Rio hopefuls Keesja Gofers and Lea Yanitsas have co-captained the Sydney University Lions to a maiden National Water Polo League crown in Melbourne.

The Lions came from behind to claim 12-8 victory over 2015 champions the Brisbane Barracudas in what was a physical and closely fought game.

Trailing 5-2 at half time, the Lions dug deep to claw their way back scoring five goals a piece in last two quarters.

The Lions boast five members of the Aussies Stingers squad all aiming for their first Olympic Games coming Rio including Yanitsas, Gofers, Bronte

Halligan, Isobel Bishop and Hannah Buckling, all who were out to impress selectors ahead of Rio selection later this year.

“We are on top of the world! We redeemed ourselves from last year and we are so happy to come home with the trophy,” said an elated Gofers.

“They (Barracudas) are a tough team, they are always tough with some really great players.

“It was a really solid effort today from our girls and we’re so happy to have stepped it up in the last half and come away with the win today,” she said.

The strong win over the Barracudas will certainly be sending a strong message to Olympic selectors.

Results
WOMEN GOLD MEDAL
Sydney University Lions 12 (H Buckling 5, K Gofers 3, I Bishop 2, E Lewis and T Bogg 1) def. Brisbane Barracudas (A Southern 4, A Sieprath 3, K Gynther 1)

WOMENS BRONZE MEDAL
Cronulla Sharks 9 (K Holden 3, J Liessmann and N Zagame 2, J Whitehorn and M Vavic 1) def Fremantle Marlins (G Beadsworth 3, M Quinn, Z Arancini and P Rodgers 1)