Quarters still within reach for NZ in water polo championships

Emily Nicholson blocks a pass from a Russian player.

New Zealand played a much-improved game last night at the FINA World Women's Youth Water Polo Championships but lost to Russia 16-6 in the final group match game.

Russia went into the game confident after winning both games against Spain and South Africa earlier in the week and have guaranteed a spot in Friday's quarter finals.

It was an intensely physical game as 14-year old Kiwi player, Morgan McDowall, scored quickly only to have each goal matched by Russia during the first quarter.

After the first eight minutes the Kiwis were drawn and Bernadette Doyle scored to bring New Zealand to a 4-3 lead.

As the hosting nation, the Kiwis have had an advantage from the very beginning and the team is ready to draw on that support for the upcoming deciding games.

Goalkeeper, Antonia Young, played an outstanding game and said she went into the game wanting to make her teammates proud.

"We improved on so many fronts after last night's game and we definitely showed we were competitive with Russia. We really tried to match them but we'll come back stronger tomorrow," says Young.

New Zealand Water Polo CEO, John Payne, acknowledges the loss tonight but has sights set on success for New Zealand.

"The girls acquitted themselves really well tonight. These world championships have already put New Zealand on the map but we're not ready to bow out just yet," says Payne.

New Zealand will play Italy in the preliminary match tonight with the hope of competing in the quarter finals on Friday.

South Africa, Mexico and Japan do not have a shot at the quarter finals after ending group play in fourth place.