The Australian women's water polo team have gone down fighting against Italy, suffering a narrow loss 7-8 in game two of the preliminary stage.
Italy were dominant early, playing a physical game that ruffled the Aussies, holding an early 2-4 lead at quarter time.
The Aussie Stingers fought back leveling the scores at 6-6 with the final quarter on the horizon. With both sides determined for victory, both scored one goal a piece. In the dying seconds of the match Italy capitalised to take the win.
Rowie Webster was once again influential scoring two goals.
The Aussies take on hosts Brazil on Saturday 13 August for the final round of the pool stage before the quarter-finals get underway on Monday 15 August.
