FUKUOKA, Japan — Former Lindenwood University athlete Hanna Muller and Bucknell University’s Boati Motau (Jr., Johannesburg, South Africa/Roedean School South Africa) combined to shoot zero-for-two with a steal as South Africa experienced a 20-6 loss to France at the 20th World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.
Due to the loss, South Africa falls into the 11th Place game on Tuesday, July 25, at 8:00 p.m. Eastern against New Zealand.
Muller – who shot zero-for-one in 24:29 of action – and Motau – who shot zero-for-one in 15:11 with a steal – were unable to power South Africa past France.
The French dominated in the first half to cause a deficit which South Africa was unable to overcome in the second half. Trailing 4-1 after the first quarter, South Africa fell further behind by halftime as France exploited a 6-0 surge to gain a 10-1 lead heading into halftime. Following a 5-4 scoring advantage in the third quarter to pull ahead 15-5, France wrapped up the contest with a 5-1 run in the waning moments for the 20-6 final score.
