The Australian women’s University water polo team is finalising preparations ahead of next month’s World University Games in Shenzen, China with a six game series against compatriots the Australian Junior women’s squad in Perth.
While the University girls have had a slow start to their campaign recording a 10-4 loss in game one and an improved 13-10 loss in game two, coach Eddie Denis is not concerned with their level of performance saying it is the team’s first hit out together since May.
“It (game one) was our first match as a team in a while and it indicated that we have elements to work on and refine before we leave for China in a couple of weeks. However we believe this camp will be invaluable to us for that,” Denis said.
“Our shooting and passing was much improved in game two which is reflected in the better score and the development we are taking. I expect that over the week we will continue to gel as a team."
The University squad boasts some of the country’s best players including Lea Barta, Patrice O’Neill, Nanda Stoltz and Keesja Gofers, who have all played for the Australian Stingers in recent months, and their presence is a major positive heading towards Shenzen.
The Australians face USA, Russia, France and Mexico in the preliminaries of the Uni Games and have four more matches against the Junior Aussies to hone their game plans. The three goal loss in game two is a major step in the right direction for the team and goalkeeper Barta believes their progress will continue.
“We showed a better commitment in defence today with more intensity and desperation, which is really good and should help us moving forward."
O’Neill and Alicia Brightwell shone in attack in this game scoring three and two goals respectively, with the team showing a glimpse of their potential with a two goal shut out of the juniors in the third quarter.
The Australian Uni team plays game three of their series on Tuesday with the last of six games to be played on Friday. The team flies to China on the 6th of August.
Game 1 - 16/07/11
Australian University Team
Lea Barta, Alicia Brightwell, Jana Liessmann, Patrice O'Neill, Nanda Stoltz, Jo Whitehorn (1), Keesja Gofers, Maddie Morrison (1), Georgia Clarke (1), Sophie Ricketts (1), Gabbie Wikman, Jess Martin, Ebony Neesham, Victoria Risby
Result: AUS Juniors 10 bt AUS WUG 4
X man for - 1 from 12
Quarters: 0-3, 1-3, 3-2, 0-2
Scorers: Jo Witehorn, Maddie Morrison, Georgia Clarke, Sophie Ricketts
Game 2 - 17/07/11
Australian University Team
Lea Barta, Alicia Brightwell (2), Jana Liessmann, Patrice O'Neill (3), Nanda Stoltz (1), Jo Whitehorn, Keesja Gofers, Maddie Morrison, Georgia Clarke, Sophie Ricketts, Gabbie Wikman (1), Jess Martin (2), Ebony Neesham (1), Victoria Risby
