A treble by Stingers star Rowie Webster on Thursday gave the Australian women's water polo team their first victory of the Holiday Cup with a 9-8 triumph over Russia in Los Angeles.
The victory was set up by a four-goal onslaught either side of the last break with Australia piling on three goals to nil in the third term, Ashleigh Southern edging Australia ahead 7-3 with an extra man goal at 7:34 in the decider.
Russia responded with a 3-5 final term, twice reducing the margin to two before cutting it back to just one with just nine seconds left on the clock.
Zoe Arancini landed a double for the second match running, while skipper Bronwen Knox, young centre forward Jayde Appel and centre back Hannah Buckling all scored.
Coach Greg McFadden was pleased with his side's improvement and said the intensity was much better compared to their past few outings.
"There was a big improvement from the last two games and the intensity was fantastic from the girls," McFadden said.
"A few silly mistakes in the last quarter allowed Russia to get closer on the scoreboard but, overall, I'm very happy with the game.
"It was really good to see the effort that they put in. Our extra man attack still needs a bit of work but that seems to happen all the time."
Lea Barta had a solid game in goals, with Webster, Knox and Arancini also showing great experience.
In other fixtures, Greece defeated the Netherlands 8-6 and the US beat Canada 15-11.
Australia's next game is against the Netherlands at 2.15pm on Saturday (AEST).
