Stingers wrap up Tri Nations with victory over Italy

The Aussie Stingers have wrapped up the Tri Nations Test Match Series in Perth with a win over Italy on Sunday night.

A precursor to the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, the Stingers started the series with a win against reigning world champions USA on Saturday night.

The match up against Italy was fierce from the outset, both teams with strong defence and lethal attack.

The teams went goal for goal in the first quarter, before the Australians slotted three in a row late in the second quarter to take a three goal lead into the half time break.

In the third, the momentum continued to swing in the favour of the home team, who extended their lead to five at three quarter time.

Despite a fourth quarter comeback from the visitors, the Stingers held on to a two goal lead, the end score 12-10.

For Abbey Andrews, the match brought a different challenge to the game against the USA, but she was proud to see the progress her team have made.

“It was very different from last night, we matched them really well early but we’ve just got to learn to win those games well and hold that lead,” Andrews said.

“To win in a game like that is still huge and a great step forward (ahead of World Championships),” she said.

Currently living in Greece, the chance to play in front of a home crowd doesn’t come often for Andrews, and it’s an opportunity she’s always grateful for.

“I love being back in Australia – we’ve been getting huge crowds and lots of eager fans…it’s been pretty special,” she said.

Sienna Hearn scored two goals tonight, and said the experience of the Tri Nations Series has been invaluable preparation for the 2025 World Aquatics Championships.

“It’s been great prep for us to play USA and Italy, they’re both really good competition for us,” Hearn said.

“It’s awesome to see all the new girls to the team really stepping in and having a crack, it’s really good to see. And we’re playing true Stingers style of water polo which is what we want to put on show,” she said.

The Stingers will have a final few days of training in Perth, before departing for Singapore ahead of the World Championships, which get underway in Singapore on 11 July.

The NSWIS players in the world championships squad include: Hayley Ballesty, Sienna Green, Bronte Halligan, Sienna Hearn, Danijela Jackovich, Tilly Kearns, Alexie Lambert, Genevieve Longman (pictured), Olivia Mitchell.