THE Fremantle Marlins have fallen heartbreakingly short of claiming the 2017 National Water Polo League (NWPL) title, losing in a penalty shootout to the Sydney University Lions on Sunday.
The Marlins finished the NWPL season in third position and went on to beat the Balmain Tigers 7-6 in Friday’s elimination final at Sydney’s Pymble Ladies College Aquatic Centre.
That set up a semi-final battle on Saturday with Fremantle booking a grand final appearance by defeating the Queensland Breakers 8-3.
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READ NOWThe task ahead of the Marlins on Sunday was significant, taking on a Sydney Uni team that had gone through the 2017 season undefeated, but they were not daunted.
It was a tremendous grand final battle and a frantic final minute of play with scores locked at 8-8.
Both teams had chances to score but could not find the goal, setting up a penalty shootout decider.
The Lions went on to score four penalties to the Marlins three, sealing the victory and the championship 12-11.
Rio Olympian Glencora McGhie scored four goals for the Marlins, Madeleine Quinn three and Zoe Arancini one.
Quinn was also named the Most Valuable Player of the finals to receive Pat Jones Medal.
She was also named in the All-Star Team along with Arancini.
In the men’s competition, the University of NSW Wests Magpies won the championship by defeating the Sydney Uni Lions in the grand final.