Solid start lets Dance shine for Kiwis against Hungary

NEW ZEALAND 7 vs. 17 HUNGARY

The New Zealand Junior Women went down to Hungary 17-7 on Tuesday in their second match of the FINA World Women’s Junior Water Polo Championships in Volos, Greece.

TEAM: Grace Tobin (1), Ema Carević (2), Taylor Sheehan, Liana Dance (4), Katie McKenty, Sarah Doyle, Emily Nicholson, Annabel Harman, Jessica Milicich, Ricci Ferigo.

The Kiwis, spearheaded by go-to centre forward Liana Dance, gave the Hungarians a run for their money. Dance came quickly out of the blocks, to score three goals in less than five minutes of the first quarter. The score was within striking distance for New Zealand, down 4-3 at the first break.

Liana Dance was on fire and scored New Zealand's first four goals against Hungary

Dance made her tally four with just nine minutes having elapsed in the match, which leveled the score at 4-4. A run of four unanswered Hungarian goals had the Kiwis searching for answers as the game slipped to a four goal deficit at halftime.

Jess Milicich rises up to stop the Hungarian counter attack (photo: Volos2015.com)

Hungary found their rhythm in the championship quarter as New Zealand struggled to contain them. Just as it seemed that the Kiwis would go scoreless for a quarter, captain Ema Carević stepped up and slotted a goal from an extra man play. To New Zealand’s disappointment, they let another goal into the back of the net with 0:01 left on the clock for 14-5 at the end of the third.

Grace Tobin scored her second goal of the tournament against Hungary on Tuesday (photo: Volos2015.com)

A better final quarter saw the Kiwis score two to Hungary’s three. Grace Tobin scored from a 5 on 4, and New Zealand captain Carević had the last laugh and scored her fifth for the tournament in just two games. Final score a respectable 17-7 to the 2014 Youth World bronze medalists.

Dance scores four goals in less than 9 minutes for Kiwis against Hungary

New Zealand meet South Africa, who also come off two losses, on Thursday at 3:40am (NZST). Set your alarm and follow live updates here.

New Zealand need a win against South Africa to keep their quarter-final hopes alive. Beating the South Africans will see New Zealand cross with the second-placed team in Pool A, likely to be Greece or Russia.

A loss against South Africa on Wednesday 6:40pm local Volos time will see New Zealand drop into the 13th-16th classification round.