Australia’s women’s team has claimed the first win of their World University games campaign in Shenzhen with a 15-6 thrashing of France. Despite a slow start where they trailed the French 2-0 at the first break, Australia piled on six goals to two in the second period and then a stunning seven unanswered goal onslaught in the third quarter to ensure the win. Alicia Brightwell scored five, bringing her tally to ten from three games, whilst Jo Whitehorn and Keesja Gofers each netted a treble. Australian coach Eddie Denis said his team’s defence was the building block for the comprehensive victory. “This was a really positive win,” Denis said. “We demonstrated very good defence throughout the whole game and this gave us the right platform to attack from. “Our extra man attack goals were more decisive which was reflected in our higher extra man scoring rate.” Sophie Ricketts, who is playing in her second World University Games tournament after helping Australia to fifth place in Serbia in 2009 said the team was happy to have been able to increase their shooting percentages and score so many goals. “It felt good to finally get our shots inside the goal,” Ricketts said. Australia Lea Barta (c), Alicia Brightwell, Jana Liessmann, Ebony Neesham, Nanda Stoltz, Jo Whitehorn, Keesja Gofers, Maddie Morrison, Georgia Clarke, Sophie Ricketts, Gabbie Wikman, Jess Martin, Victoria Risby Result: Australia 15 beat France 6 Quarters: 0-2, 6-2, 7-0, 2-2 Extra man for: 8 from 14 and 1 from 1 5M penalty Extra man defence: France scored 1 from 7 Aus scorers: Alicia Brightwell 5, Joanne Whitehorn 3, Keesja Gofers 3, Georgia Clarke 2, Jana Liessmann 1, Gabbie Wikman 1 Best Players: Alicia Brightwell, Jo Whitehorn, Keesja Gofers, Lea Barta Next game: Mexico on Tuesday 16th August
Russia too good for Aussie women at Uni Games
The Australian women’s team has suffered a second successive defeat at the World University Games in Shenzhen, China after losing 9-5 to Russia.
The Russians dominated every facet of play to claim every quarter despite three goals for Australia from Gabbie Wikman – two in extra man and a penalty.
Australian coach Eddie Denis said his side’s execution was the difference between the teams.
“We created plenty of opportunities today with 12 exclusions and three penalties but shooting skills let us down,” Denis said.
“Our focus on training over the next two days will be to improve our extra man percentages.”
Australia
Lea Barta (c), Alicia Brightwell, Jana Liessmann, Ebony Neesham, Nanda Stoltz, Jo Whitehorn, Keesja Gofers, Maddie Morrison, Georgia Clarke, Sophie Ricketts, Gabbie Wikman, Jess Martin, Victoria Risby
Result: Australia 4 lost to Russia 9
Quarters: 0-2, 2-3, 1-2, 1-2
Extra man for: 2 from 12 and 1 from 3 5M penalties
Extra man defence: Russia scored 5 from 10 and 0 from 1 5M penalties (Lea Barta saved)
Aus scorers: Gabbie Wikman 3, Alicia Brightwell 1
Best Players: Georgia Clarke, Jess Martin, Gabbie Wikman
Next game: France on Monday 15th AugustAustralian women’s team suffer opening game loss at Uni Games
The Australian women’s team has gone down 8-6 to the USA in their opening match of the World University Games in Shenzhen, China.
The Americans jumped out to a 3-1 opening quarter lead and had stretched their advantage to 6-3 by halftime.
The Australians then fought hard in the second half to claw back the margin, tying the third period 2-2 before claiming the last term 1-0 but it wasn’t enough.
Despite the first up loss Australian coach Eddie Denis said he was looking ahead in a positive light.
“It was good to play against this team for our first game as it brought us up to speed with the strength of the competition here,” Denis said.
“We are looking forward to Sunday’s game against Russia and a better result.”
For the Australians Alicia Brightwell was a powerhouse in attack scoring four goals. She was ably assisted by Georgia Clarke with a pair of strikes and captain Lea Barta in the cage.
The Australians are looking forward to the arrival of Ebony Neesham tomorrow to replace Patrice O’Neill who has been deemed unable to play due to Deep Vein Thrombosis in her arm.
Australia
Lea Barta (c), Alicia Brightwell, Jana Liessmann, Nanda Stoltz, Jo Whitehorn, Keesja Gofers, Maddie Morrison, Georgia Clarke, Sophie Ricketts, Gabbie Wikman, Jess Martin, Victoria Risby
Result: Australia 6 lost to USA 8
Quarters: 1-3, 2-3, 2-2, 1-0
Aus Scorers: A Brightwell 4, G Clarke
Best Players: Lea Barta, Georgia Clarke, Alicia Brightwell
Next game: Russia, Sunday 14/8
