Los Angeles, USA (December 10).-

A late Suzie Fraser goal secured a 10-9 victory over the Netherlands to keep Australia's slim hopes of a Holiday Cup final berth alive at Los Alamitos tonight.
Fraser stole the ball and swam down the pool to score in the last minute to leave the Aussies in third spot on the ladder of the six-nation event, equal on points with Russia but behind on the head-to-head tie-break.
The United States of America beat Olympic champion Italy 9-4 to remain on top while Russia defeated Canada 10-9.
It was another inconsistent first half for the Australians but they put it together defensively in the second half to snare the win.
Head coach Greg McFadden said: "We scored some nice goals during the first half but poor defence in extra man and centre back allowed the Dutch easy goals and enabled them to lead 7-6.
"The second half saw us really tighten our defence in these areas and allow the Dutch only two goals.
"In our attack, bad luck and not capitalising on the opportunities we created kept the score close and with one minute remaining in the game the Dutch had an extra man but fantastic defence led to a two-o- one counter attack with Suzie Fraser converting for the winner.
" Australia was best served by Kate Gynther, Victoria Brown, Suzie Fraser, Nikita Cuffe and Gemma Beadsworth. McFadden said:
"Hopefully we have now turned the corner defensively and players now understand the systems and their individual responsibilities."
"While our extra man statistics were not great we did look more dangerous and created some good options but just failed to finish.
"We now have to hope Italy beats Russia and for us to beat the USA to make the final. If that doesn't happen we will be playing for third place on Sunday."
Goalkeeper Emma Knox sprained a medial ligament in her elbow against Canada and is unlikely to play for the rest of the tournament while centre forward Bronwen Knox is slowly recovering from her concussion.
Results:
Holiday Cup for women, Los Alamitos, USA, day 3:
Australia 10 (K Gynther, G Beadsworth, G Hadley, S Fraser 2, N Cuffe, J Moran)
Canada 9,
USA 9 Italy 4,
Russia 10 Canada 9.
Progress points: USA 8, Russia 5, Australia 5, Canada 3, Italy 2, Netherlands 1.  

COACH McFADDEN REORTS

4th game v Netherlands Holiday Cup 

We scored some nice goals during the 1st half but poor defence in extra man and centre back allowed the Dutch easy goals and enabled them to lead 7-6.

The 2nd half saw us really tighten our defence in these areas and allow the Dutch only 2 goals.

In our attack, bad luck and not capitalising on the opportunities we created kept the score close and with 1.00 remaining in the game the Dutch had an extra man but fantastic defence led to a two on one counter attack with Suzie Fraser converting for the winner.

Australia was best served by Kate Gynther, Victoria Brown, Suzie Fraser, Nikita Cuffe & Gemma Beadsworth.

Greg McFadden said "Hopefully we have now turned the corner defensively and players now understand the systems and their individual responsibilities."

"While our extra man statistics were not great we did look more dangerous and created some good options but just failed to finish."

"We now have to hope Italy beats Russia today and for us to beat the USA to make the final. If that doesn't happen we will be playing for 3rd place on Sunday."

Emma Knox sprained a medial ligament in her elbow against Canada and is unlikely to play for the rest of the tournament, while Bronwen Knox is recovering from her concussion well.

Aust 10 - Gynther 2, Beadsworth 2, Hadley 2, Fraser 2, Cuffe, Moran
Canada 9 - Van Belkum 4, Cabout 2, Guichelaar 2, Koot
X-man Aust 2 from 8 & 1 penalty
Canada 7 from 13 Brown 5 saves