PARKES product Mariah Williams landed a killer blow in her Jillaroos side’s bronze medal win at the Junior World Cup in Santiago, Chile.
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The young Australians’ clash with Spain went to a shoot-out following a 1-all draw at full-time. The Jillaroos won the shoot-out 3-1, Williams banging home her side’s first penalty to get the Aussies off to a strong start.
It’s the Jillaroos’ first World Cup medal since 2001, with Williams captain of the side.
Jillaroos head coach Tim White said any medal at a world event is an achievement to savour.
“The bronze medal is a fantastic result and reward for lots of hard work and commitment by all of the athletes and many staff both here in Chile and back at home,” White said.
“We were really proud of the team’s performance. Spain started well and scored an early goal. We needed to compose and start to play our game. By half-time we were back in the contest, and we reminded the girls that we have finished all the games well.
“The second half was played on our terms although we couldn’t score. The girls showed skill and belief during the shootout and we are all thrilled with the win.”
In the defining shoot-out, Australia was up first with Williams making it look easy as she took her shot on goal and getting the first score on the board.
Williams was followed up by Australian’s Kristina Bates (goal), Laura Gray (miss) and Kaitlin Nobbs (goal) who left the Jillaroos with three points on the shoot-out
Goalkeeper Aleisha Power was in the net defending Spain’s shots, blocking three out four, with the work of Power and the Jillaroos giving Australia their first medal at the Junior World Cup in 15 years.
The Netherlands played Argentina in the gold medal match with Argentina 4-2 winners to claim their first junior gold since 1993.
The bronze medal capped a dominant tournament for Williams, who has enjoyed a big season having also been to the Rio Olympics in 2016.
The squad for the match was: Kristina Bates, Madison Fitzpatrick, Laura Gray, Rebecca Greiner, Greta Hayes, Kaitlin Nobbs, Mikaela Patterson, Aleisha Power, Grace Stewart, Sophie Taylor, Mariah Williams. Used Substitutes – Savannah Fitzpatrick, Kate Hanna, Ambrosia Malone, Karri Somerville, Michaela Spano, Renee Taylor. Unused – Rene Hunter.
The bronze medal is a fantastic result and reward for lots of hard work and commitment by all of the athletes and many staff both here in Chile and back at home.
- Coach Tim White