Bronzed Aussies in Italy

From Australian Water Polo Inc:

Australia has finished third at the 2011 FINA Women’s Junior World Championships in Trieste, Italy after thrashing Russia 10-2 in their bronze medal playoff.

The Peter Szilagyi coached Australians led from start to finish – up 3-1 at quarter time, 7-1 at the half and 9-1 at the last break – to completely outplay a bewildered Russian team.

The victory was well deserved for the Australian team that lost their semi final to eventual gold medalists Spain by a solitary goal and stretched silver medalists Hungary to a draw in their opening group stage match on the first day of the tournament.

As has been the case throughout the tournament the Australians’ result in the match against Russia was a thorough team effort with all 13 players contributing to the win.

An over the moon Szilagyi paid tribute to all of those that have been involved with the team over the last three years.

“I wish to say thank you to all coaches, parents and players for the support of the program in the last three years,” Szilagyi said. 

“The girls became mentally stronger after the semi final and proved themselves as a team and as individuals. It was a privilege to work with them.”

The team will now return to Australia for a short break before resuming training with their state institutes and academies, and club teams. Several members of the team are in contention for selection in the Australian team for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

The NSWIS athletes in the team were EmilyScott, Hannah Buckling, Maddie Schmidt, Jayde Appel, and Michaela Davies.