World championships end in Kazan

The Australian women’s water polo team has narrowly missed out on a medal at the 2015 FINA Aquatic World Championships after finishing fourth in a penalty shootout.

Featuring six NSWIS athletes, the Stingers met Italy in the bronze medal match following a close loss to the USA in the semi-final and were on the backfoot early to head into half-time down 3-5.

A strong third quarter saw the Stingers level scores at 5-5 before two goals apiece in the fourth quarter saw the game go into penalties, which the Italians won 5-3 to take bronze.

The NSWIS athletes in the women’s squad were Lea Yanitsas, Hannah Buckling, Holly Lincoln-Smith, Keesja Gofers, Bronte Halligan and Nicola Zagame.

The Australian men’s water polo team also missed out on the medals, finishing eighth after a 6-10 loss to the USA. The Sharks were matching it with the USA until the Americans scored four unanswered goals to run away with victory.

The NSWIS athletes in the men’s squad were Richie Campbell, Nathan Power, Tyler Martin (NSW), Jarrod Gilchrist, Mitch Emery, Johnno Cotterill, Aidan Roach, Joel Dennerley.