The Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers have finished fifth at the 2025 World Aquatics World Cup in Chengdu, China after a thrilling penalty shoot out against Italy in their third and final game – highlighted by an MVP performance from goalkeeper and New South Wales Institute of Sport (NSWIS) athlete Gen Longman.

The Stingers came out firing in the first quarter, leading 5-3. Italy responded in the second quarter, levelling the score to 5-5 at half time.

It was goal for goal in the second half, and with the scores locked at 10-10 at the end of regular time. In the penalty shootout, Longman was crucial in the cage, making two important saves to help her team clinch the win at 14-13.

In game one, the Stingers put up a strong fight against Hungary. After a strong start with two goals in the first quarter, the Hungarians fired back in the second with four, and headed into half time with a 5-4 lead.

The Aussies found the back of the net on three occasions in the third quarter, while the Hungarians scored another five goals.

Despite a strong defensive effort in the final quarter, the Hungarians extended their lead, leaving the Aussies falling just short with a 10-14 loss.

The Stingers’ bounced back in their second game, defeating host nation China by two goals. Australia opened with five goals in the opening quarter, holding China to three.

The second quarter swung in favour of China, outscoring the Aussies 6-3. But the momentum shifted again in the third quarter as the Stingers scored seven goals to extend their lead to three goals heading into the last quarter, securing a two goal victory of 16-14.

The squad featured several NSWIS athletes, including Claire Durston, Sienna Hearn, Samantha Henderson, Danijela Jackovich, Alexie Lambert, and Olivia Mitchell comprised the squad. Supporting the scholarship holders were Senior Sports Program Coordinator and Team Leader Jocelyn Burnett, Senior Sports Physiotherapist Bernadette Petzel, and Sports Performance Analyst Joshua Dipple.

Information from Water Polo Australia

Image: World Aquatics

Tags Alexie LambertClaire DurstonDanijela JackovichGenevieve LongmanOlivia MitchellSamantha HendersonSienna Hearn
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