MONDAY, 06 JULY 2026
SOUTH AFRICA’S MISZEWSKI FINISHES TOP SCORES AS ELEVATE WATER POLO CLAIM FIFTH IN TENERIFE
Tenerife, Spain: South African star Lucy Miszewski finished as the leading goalscorer at the Women’s Nordic League Finals in Tenerife, Spain, as Elevate Water Polo secured fifth place against some of Europe’s strongest club sides.
These achievements represent significant milestones for South African water polo. Elevate became the first South African team to reach the Nordic League Finals, while Miszewski is believed to be one of the first South African players to finish as the leading goalscorer at a major European club tournament.
Miszewski, who recently earned selection to the prestigious Cutino Award Watch List following an outstanding collegiate season in the United States, scored 11 goals across Elevate’s four matches and was named Player of the Match twice during the tournament.
Elevate opened their Group A campaign with a 12-8 victory over Dutch club ZV De Ham, with Miszewski contributing three goals, an assist, and a steal.
The South Africans were then beaten 17-7 by tournament hosts Tenerife before suffering a heartbreaking 13-12 defeat to Slovakian side KVP Piestany, narrowly missing out on a place in the medal matches.
Elevate responded in style in the fifth-place playoff, defeating Italy’s SS Lazio 14-9. Miszewski starred once again with eight goals, along with an assist and a steal, to collect her second Player of the Match award of the competition.
“I am so happy with our performance over the tournament,” said Miszewski afterwards. “We became such a cohesive unit both in and out the water which I think showed in our games. It was also amazing to see the quality of players in the team which you can see reflected in the scoring as we usually had many different scorers instead of relying on only one or two players.”
Speaking about the award, Miszewski added: “It was obviously a really special achievement and something I’m incredibly grateful for. While it’s always nice to receive individual recognition, water polo is such a team sport that it wouldn’t have been possible without my teammates creating opportunities, trusting me, and putting in so much work around me. I’m proud of the achievement, but I’m even more proud of what we accomplished as a team throughout the tournament.”
Miszewski is set to begin her professional career with CN Marseille in France later this year, while Elevate’s performances in Tenerife reinforced the programme’s growing ability to compete with established European clubs and continue creating pathways for South African players to perform on the international stage.
“We are incredibly proud of our entire Elevate team who narrowly missed out on making the bronze medal match,” said co-founder of Elevate Water Polo, Duncan Woods. “They are an exceptional group of women who have come together to announce themselves in the Nordic League competition…and two wins from their four matches in the final stages shows how competitive we can be when we get ourselves properly organised and prepared.
“Lucy’s individual award is just amazing but comes as no surprise to us. She is incredibly determined and shines a light to inspire younger women’s players to reach higher than we thought possible.”
The tournament marked another important step in Elevate Water Polo’s mission to provide South Africa’s top players with regular exposure to elite international competition. The side had qualified for the Final 8 after strong performances during the qualifying stages in Manchester earlier this year.
Ends.
FREE TO USE PICTURES WITH CAPTIONS:
Lucy Davis- South Africa’s Elevate Water Polo goalkeeper in action during the Women’s Nordic League Finals played in Tenerife, Spain from 25-27 June 2026. Elevate Water Polo secured fifth place against some of Europe’s strongest club sides.
Lucy Miszewski- South African star Lucy Miszewski (Elevate Water Polo) shoots for goal at the Women’s Nordic League Finals played in Tenerife, Spain from 25-27 June 2026. Elevate Water Polo secured fifth place against some of Europe’s strongest club sides.
MVP- South African star Lucy Miszewski (Elevate Water Polo) finished as the leading goalscorer at the Women’s Nordic League Finals played in Tenerife, Spain from 25-27 June 2026. Elevate Water Polo secured fifth place against some of Europe’s strongest club sides.
Women’s team- South Africa’s Elevate Water Polo team pictured at the Women’s Nordic League Finals played in Tenerife, Spain from 25-27 June 2026. Elevate Water Polo secured fifth place against some of Europe’s strongest club sides.
Photo credits: Elevate Water Polo
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