In a triumphant night, the Aussie Stingers secured a Water Polo World Cup Finals semi final berth against the USA; skipper Bronte Halligan celebrated her 200th game in green and gold, and the team was roared on to a 15-14 victory over Italy by a Sydney crowd who loved the grit their team summoned to overcome a determined foe.

The sudden death format of the Finals being held at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, ensured both teams hit the water with a single-minded purpose. While Italy opened the scoring account, it was the only time they led in the game  . . . although, they were breathing down the home team’s neck until the end.

NSWIS athlete Tilly Kearns contributed four goals to the win, with one dazzling effort comparable to the skill, ball control, and showmanship of Argentinian soccer great Diego Maradona. After making a quick breakaway from the pack, Kearns all  but hypnotised the Italian goalie by swaying the ball cobra-like back and forth for what must have seemed an eternity for the poor keeper before slamming it into the back net.

However, Italy clawed its way back to draw the scores level 11-all. With a parochial crowd urging Australia on, NSWIS scholarship athlete Sienna Hearn nailed two goals in the final quarter and set Kearns up for her fourth. The Stingers then managed the clock to book their semi against the USA.

Queenslander Gabbi Palm – the Stingers’ goalie and  a two-time Olympian – was named MVP after producing a series of big saves that repelled the Italian fightback. Her efforts were praised by Halligan who was presented with a large bouquet of flowers after the victory.

The 29-year-old, Halligan who took great insights about the Italians into the match from playing in that nation’s domestic league, described her milestone as ‘unreal’ before noting there were people present at Sydney Olympic Park’s Aquatic Centre who added to the occasion.

“That was unreal, 200 games for Australia,” said Halligan, a NSWIS scholarship holder. “I’m so proud, and I’m so happy. Every single Stinger has shaped my career and to have some of the girls in the water with me and to have some in the stands, was really special. And to have family and friends here as well was a great moment to celebrate and I just feel so happy.”

Halligan respected that the Italians did everything in their power to spoil the party.

“It was an unreal match, it was a nailbiter,” she enthused to NSWIS Media. “We kept it close and the Italians had a really, really good match. We held it in there and Gabby came up with a huge save and, ultimately, we just stayed united and together; stayed in the moment and came away with the win.”

Hearn, who played for Rome during the Italian season, also expected the Italians to fight hard.

“Italy always put up a hard fight,” Hearn told NSWIS Media. “It was goal for goal, and that’s what we knew coming in tonight. We just had to stay composed and play our style of water polo and I think we executed that.  

“[The Italian goalie] was my goalie for Rome, so I reasonably know her . . . know weaknesses, know strengths . . . but to be able to put the ball in the back of the net and execute for my team is such an honour. Testament to all the girls it’s  a team sport at the end we all play a role in scoring the goals and I was lucky enough to get those ones at the end.”

The victory secured the Aussie Stingers with what’s being billed as a rematch of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games semi final against the USA, which Australia won on their way to seizing the silver medal. Sports historians have also noted the eliminator is being played in the same pool where the two nations met in the Sydney 2000 Olympic final. Australia also won that encounter courtesy of a goal in the dying seconds to seal possession of the first ever Women’s Olympic Water Polo gold medal. 

Kearns said the Stingers know the USA will be a tough opponent, but added both teams had benefited from preparing with oneanother as part of the World Cup Finals lead in.  

“We’ve been preparing against US for this tournament for the last two weeks, so we know each other inside and out,” she said. “I think it’s going to be who can nail the basics the best for that game. I’ve played with so many of those girls, so I know them and they know me really well. 

“So hopefully the home crowd advantage can help carry us over the line, but it would be really special to get another semi final win against them.” 

USA opened the competition with a strong 14-8 over China while Spain defeated Hungary 8-7 and Russia defeating Netherlands 11-6. 

Daniel Lane, NSWIS

Tags Bronte HalliganSienna HearnTilly Kearns
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