Overnight the Australian Women’s Youth Team kicked off their FINA Youth World Championships campaign in spectacular style with an impressive 18-5 win over Uzbekistan.

The seven-day tournament got underway last night in Belgrade Serbia, with 16 of the top nations from around the world set to line up for their chance at water polo history.

Taking on a fairly unknown Uzbekistan side, Head Coach Dusan Damjanovic was pleased with how his side stood up to the test.

“We did a good job in our counter attack. I’m proud with how the girls approached the first game… it is not really easy for them as they are young, but I am happy with their preparation and hope for the next game they’ll do the same.

“I was surprised with Uzbekistan…they played nice water polo, with a lot of driving and wide in attack,” he said.

Leading throughout there was no doubt the Australians controlled the game from the outset, despite Uzbekistan doing their best to match it in the first quarter. Leading by one at the end of the first, a strong attacking game in the second quarter saw the Aussies stretch the lead to 9-4 at half time.

But it was the second half that the Aussies really kicked into gear with strong counter attack and an overpowering defensive structure allowing the team to extend the scoreline as well as keep their opponents scoreless in the third quarter. Uzbekistan would only get one further goal courtesy of a penalty in the last quarter but it was not enough to stop the Australians powering home with an 18-5 victory.

Officials named Sydney Uni’s Carla Traplin MVP of the game.

Next up the Australians will face a tough Brazilian side who are known for their physicality. Game two gets underway tonight, Tuesday 28 August at 5:00pm AEST.

RESULTS

AUS: 18

UZB: 5

Qtr time scores: 4-3; 9-4; 13-4; 18-5

Australian Team: 

Abby Andrews (Qld), Charlize Andrews (Qld), Hayley Ballesty (NSW), Kasey Dalziel (Qld), Lily Hawthorn (NSW), Matilda Kearns (NSW), Sophie Milliken (Qld), Jamie Oberman (WA), Ruby Swadling (NSW), Nioka Thomas (NSW), Carla Traplin (NSW)

FOLLOW

To view the official event web page – click here.

Australia’s FINA Women’s Youth World Championships Schedule:

Day 2 Tuesday, August 28 – AUS vs BRA 9:00 (5:00pm AEST)
Day 3 Wednesday, August 29 – AUS vs GRE 20:40 (August 30, 4:40am AEST)
Days 4-7, August 30 – September 2 – TBC

Tune in via FINAtv or follow updates on the @WaterpoloAus Twitter account.

Originally published on Water Polo Australia. Republished with permission.