Winning the bronze over Spain was the redemption the Aussie Stingers were looking for having gone down to them by one goal earlier this year at the FINA World League Final.

The Aussies drew with Spain in their match during the group stages. An extremely even and physical match was sure to be case again last night.

Opening the scoring for the match was captain Rowie Webster, followed by veteran Stinger, Bron Knox to bring the Aussies to a 2-0 lead going into the first break.

The second quarter was dominated by Spain. Anna Espar, who the Aussies know well from her time playing in the Australian Water Polo League, put the first points on the board for the Spaniards. Keesja Gofers, who was a teammate of Espar replied with a goal of her own to bring the scores to 3-1. By the halftime break, Spain had levelled the scores 4-4.

Going into the second half, the Stingers remained calm and consistent, with captain Webster netting a quick goal from an extra-man. Spain once again quickly responded with Espar finding the back of the net again to keep the scores locked.

Heading into the final quarter, the Stingers were up 7-6 after another goal from the captain gave them the one goal edge. However, Spain were not letting up, scoring two consecutive goals to take a one goal lead (8-7) with 3:53 to go in the game. Experience counts at crucial moments. An exclusion earned by Bronte Halligan, an assist by Isobel Bishop to Webster brought the scores back level; 8-8.

In a game that was looking to go to penalties, Webster stepped up to score what would be the game winning goal, and her fifth for the match. Big saves from Gabi Palm in the cage in the dying seconds of the game helped ensure the Aussies took the win and the bronze medal, defeating Spain 9-8.

Bronte Halligan said to the team were excited to once more be back on the podium.

"A bronze medal game is always a tricky one, coming off a loss the day before, but we are super excited to come away with the win.

"We have had a long tour and then a week long tournament, so it nice to be able to see the team step up in a big game and get that win," she said.

The other matches saw New Zealand finish in 7th after defeating the Republic of South Africa. China finished in 5th after a goal-frenzy match against Canada, 20-19.

Once again, the United States are World Cup Champions after defeating the home side Russia 8-5 to take out the gold medal.

The FINA World Cup wraps up the 2018 international season for the Aussie Stingers, with players now set to return to their Clubs to prepare for the 2019 OVO Australian Water Polo League.  Several players have secured international club contracts and will now move into those respective competitions as well.

GAME 6: AUS V ESP RESULTS (BRONZE)

Australia 9 Spain 8

Qtr time scores: 2-0; 2-4; 3-2; 2-2

Shots on Goal: AUS 9/23 - ESP 8/21

Extra Man: AUS 6/7 - ESP 3/5

MVP Honours: Rowie Webster

AUSTRALIA: 1. Lilian Hedges (1/2), 2. Keesja Gofers (1), 3. Hannah Buckling (1), 4. Bronte Halligan, 5. Isobel Bishop, 6. Bronwen Knox (2), 7. Rowie Webster (5), 8. Amy Ridge, 9. Zoe Arancini, 10. Alice Williams, 11. Morgan Baxter, 12. Pascalle Casey, 13. Gabriella Palm (7/14)

Full Game Stats: ">http://www.livewaterpolo.com/92238/summary