The most even period was the third, because it resulted in just a 3-2 score in favour of the Italians. South Africa was outclassed, although Nicollette Poulos (RSA) helped their effort by netting two, one for each of the middle quarters.

For Italy Federica Radicchi was in full force, scoring six points, of which four were in the second period. Giulia Dal Fiume was also in essence, pocketing three (one for each of the last three quarters).


Francesca Pavan (ITA)

Italy
Eleonora Gay, Francesca Pavan, Silvia Motta (1), Simona Abbate (1), Martina Savioli (2), Federica Radicchi (6), Valentina Ayale (2), Giulia Dal Fiume (3), Rosario Aiello (2), Federica Rocco, Fantasia Livia, Medea Verde (1), Laura Teani.

South Africa
Hayley Nicole Duncan, Jade Miles Liddell (1), Megan Schooling (1), Laura Marie Barrett, Tammy Heydenrych (1), Sarah Harris, Christine Barretto, Lee-Anne Keet, Nicollette Poulos (2), Naydene Smith, Mbali Mpofu, Marcelle Keet, Nicole Stanly.

France 10 - Spain 14
(0-4, 3-2, 5-6, 2-2)

This was a tough loss for France at home, especially after having also lost a close one to Italy on Day 2 (May 9). France’s problems started early, when they failed to score in the first period (0-4). Despite regaining their composure in the second quarter, which they won by 3-2, the Italians still had twice the goals under their belts by half-time.

Italy came out strong again in the second half. This time France responded and the game was on, with both sides scoring steadily in the third period (5-6), but Italy was still the stronger and the French couldn’t make up for the ground they had lost early on. The last period produced a dead even score (2-2), but it was apparent that Italy, which maintained control, wouldn’t allow France to steal their win.

Jennifer Pareja Lisalde (ESP)

France’s progress in this game can be attributed to just three players: Perrine Metay (FRA) scored five times (three in the third period), while Vanessa Hernandez and Louise Guillet had a triple and double respectively. Spain had lots of contributing scorers, but Jennifer Pareja (ESP) accounted for four points.

France
Celine Cherrier, Vanessa Popieul, Sophie Gaultier, Vanessa Hernandez (3), Louise Guillet (2), Lea Beauchiere, Eugenie Pirat, Clemence Clerc, Gwendaelle Acosta, Marie-Charlotte Grand, Perrine Metay (5), Celine Aclocque, Caroline Ruyer.

Spain
Laura Ramos, Matilde Ortiz, Maria Díaz (2), Teresa Gorria, Miriam López-Escribano (2), Jennifer Pareja (4), Cristina Lopez (1), Pilar Peña (1), Clara Aller (1), Ona Meseguer (3), Lorena Miranda, and Anni Espar.