BRIDGEPORT, Pa. — Former University of Michigan athlete Abby Andrews scored once on four action shots and added a steal with a field block during 29:09 of time in regulation prior to tacking on a penalty shot as Australia concluded Group A competition with a 4-0 mark by dispatching Hungary in a penalty shootout, 15-14.
Australia claims the Group A title with a 4-0 mark following prior defeats of Canada (10-7 W, August 2), the Netherlands (15-14 W, July 31) and the People’s Republic of China (7-5 W, July 27). In four games, Andrews now has seven goals-on-21 shots (including the penalty shot) with six steals, a pair of field blocks and three rebounds.
The teams went back-and-forth as the squads were tied at one-all and three-all at the conclusion of the first and second quarters, respectively.
Andrews put the Stingers ahead 50 seconds into the third quarter by swishing a scoring chance with 7:10 left in the frame, but Hungary answered back to pull even with Australia at four-all 29 seconds later. The Aussies pushed ahead to acquire a 6-4 lead at the four minute mark of the frame, but Hungary chipped away to move within 6-5 by the conclusion of the third quarter prior to outscoring Australia 4-3 in the fourth quarter to deadlock the teams at nine-all by the final horn of regulation.
Australia acquired victory in the ensuing penalty shootout by converting on five consecutive chances – including a strike by Andrews to go ahead 2-1 – to outscore Hungary 5-3.
Courtesy the victory, Australia moves onto the quarterfinals where the team will return to the pool at the Paris La Defense Arena on Tuesday, August 6, versus an opponent to be decided following the conclusion of group play.
Complete results and links to live statistics for each women’s water polo game are available by CLICKING HERE.
