The Australian Stingers women’s water polo team has defeated Spain 12–8 to claim the bronze medal in the FINA World League Super Finals in Montenegro on 14 June.

The Stingers were 3–1 down early in the opening quarter but came back to tie the game 4–4 by the first break then to lead by 7–5 at halftime, and were 9–7 at the final break. Spain hit a late goal at the start of the fourth quarter, but Jane Moran, Sarah Mills and captain Mel Rippon scored one final goal each to win the match.

Head coach of the Australian men’s water polo team Greg McFadden congratulated the Stingers on the win.

‘It was a fine effort to shut out the Spanish considering the high foul count against us. The girls showed professionalism and the result was a good pointer to the FINA World Championships in Rome next month,’ McFadden said.

Bronwen Knox was the highest scoring Australian in the FINA tournament, with a total of 12 goals.

The Australian Stingers will now prepare to compete in the FINA World Championships, from 17 July to 2 August.