Fresno State Athletics
Photo by: Keith Kountz
Nicholson joins New Zealand national team for 2018 FINA World Cup
9/4/2018 2:57:00 PM | Water Polo
SURGURT, Russia – Sophomore Emily Nicholson of the Fresno State water polo team has traveled to Russia to compete with the New Zealand national team in the 2018 FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup.
Eight teams from five different continents have traveled to Sugurt, Russia to compete for the World Cup trophy. Australia, China, Canada, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, South Africa and the United States of America have been divided into two groups. Group A consists of Spain, Australia, China, and Russia. Group B will feature South Africa, New Zealand, USA and Canada. Competition will start on Sept. 4 and end on Sept. 9, held at Universitetskaya Str. Surgut.
"We are proud to see Emily compete in a high-caliber tournament such as the World Cup," said head coach Natalie Benson. "This experience will be tremendous for her, as she will compete against some of the best players in the world, and enjoy the cultural experience of traveling to Russia. We will be rooting for her from home, and look forward to seeing how this playing opportunity will continue to fuel her growth as an athlete."
Nicholson, an Auckland, New Zealand native, was a key member of the Fresno State water polo team during its inaugural season. She competed in all 25 games during her first season, finished second on the team in scoring with 36 goals and points with 42. Nicholson owned the highest shooting percentage at 42 percent and team-high 39 exclusions. She was a strong piece of the Bulldogs' offense with 11 multi-goal games and four hat tricks. Nicholson finished the season with one GCC Player of the Week accolade, GCC Co-Newcomer of the Year honors, garnered All-GCC Second Team and GCC All-Freshman Team honors.
Prior to Fresno State, Nicholson was a member of the New Zealand Senior Women's Team from 2015-17.
New Zealand will kick off the World Cup against the USA on Sept. 4.
History
FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup was foundered in 1979 and kicked off in Merced, USA. Although staged on a regular basis, it missed accuracy in its schedule, which was brought in order in 2002. Since then the trophy is played every four years between 8 teams, which represent all continents of the globe.
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In course of its 40 year-long history, the Cup traveled to eight countries, including USA, Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Italy, France, China, and Russia. Australia had a little larger share than the rest, serving center stage four times. Five nations were seen on top, whereas four more registered their podium presences. The Netherlands have been dominating in the all-time medal's chart with 8 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze medals. USA's and Australian water polo women collected 3 titles apiece along with a good number of minor merits. Hungary and Canada are the other two gold winning nations so far, with one medal each.
World Cup home page:Â http://www.fina.org/event/fina-womens-water-polo-world-cup-2018/home
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
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Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWP
Instagram:Â fresnostatewp
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Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
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Eight teams from five different continents have traveled to Sugurt, Russia to compete for the World Cup trophy. Australia, China, Canada, New Zealand, Russia, Spain, South Africa and the United States of America have been divided into two groups. Group A consists of Spain, Australia, China, and Russia. Group B will feature South Africa, New Zealand, USA and Canada. Competition will start on Sept. 4 and end on Sept. 9, held at Universitetskaya Str. Surgut.
"We are proud to see Emily compete in a high-caliber tournament such as the World Cup," said head coach Natalie Benson. "This experience will be tremendous for her, as she will compete against some of the best players in the world, and enjoy the cultural experience of traveling to Russia. We will be rooting for her from home, and look forward to seeing how this playing opportunity will continue to fuel her growth as an athlete."
Nicholson, an Auckland, New Zealand native, was a key member of the Fresno State water polo team during its inaugural season. She competed in all 25 games during her first season, finished second on the team in scoring with 36 goals and points with 42. Nicholson owned the highest shooting percentage at 42 percent and team-high 39 exclusions. She was a strong piece of the Bulldogs' offense with 11 multi-goal games and four hat tricks. Nicholson finished the season with one GCC Player of the Week accolade, GCC Co-Newcomer of the Year honors, garnered All-GCC Second Team and GCC All-Freshman Team honors.
Prior to Fresno State, Nicholson was a member of the New Zealand Senior Women's Team from 2015-17.
New Zealand will kick off the World Cup against the USA on Sept. 4.
History
FINA Women's Water Polo World Cup was foundered in 1979 and kicked off in Merced, USA. Although staged on a regular basis, it missed accuracy in its schedule, which was brought in order in 2002. Since then the trophy is played every four years between 8 teams, which represent all continents of the globe.
Â
In course of its 40 year-long history, the Cup traveled to eight countries, including USA, Netherlands, Canada, New Zealand, Italy, France, China, and Russia. Australia had a little larger share than the rest, serving center stage four times. Five nations were seen on top, whereas four more registered their podium presences. The Netherlands have been dominating in the all-time medal's chart with 8 gold, 3 silver and 1 bronze medals. USA's and Australian water polo women collected 3 titles apiece along with a good number of minor merits. Hungary and Canada are the other two gold winning nations so far, with one medal each.
World Cup home page:Â http://www.fina.org/event/fina-womens-water-polo-world-cup-2018/home
"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160.
Â
Follow us on:
Twitter:Â @FresnoStateWP
Instagram:Â fresnostatewp
Facebook:Â FresnoStateAthletics
Snap Chat:Â FSAthletics
Â
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