USA Women Crush Greece 10-3

Fukuoka, Japan July 24th The USA Women crushed Greece today, 10-3, and moved into the semi-final round at the World Championships. The game stayed tight through the first half, but Team USA shut down Greece¹s offense and scored 6 in the second half to win their 5th straight. Heather Moody (Green River,WY) led Team USA in scoring with 3 goals. Nicolle Payne(Cerrritos,CA) had 10 saves in the cage.

Greece matched Team USA goal for goal in an exciting first half, with Greecescoring all their goals within 30 seconds of each USA goal. Margie Dingeldein (Merced,CA) broke that rhythm and the 3-3 tie with a cross-cageshot 2 seconds left in the second period. Team USA dominated the secondhalf, scoring on all its power play advantages, and shutting down the Greek
offense.

"Our 6×5 play made all the difference to our game today," said Head CoachGuy Baker. "It was one of the best games we played all year."

"We followed the game plan. We came in knowing what we had to do and it was a do or die situation," said Moody.

The USA Women play Italy tomorrow at 3 p.m. (Japan time). The two teams tiedin the first round of the World Championships, 8-8, on an Italian penalty
shot in the final 4 seconds of play. Since that game, both teams have wonall their games. The USA and Italy Women also hold the top four slots for
individual goals in the tournament. Martina Miceli of Italy has 13 goals. Brenda Villa (Commerce, CA), Lorenz and Italy¹s Tania Di Mario are all tied
with 12 goals.

"If we can play our style of game, then I like our chances. However, against Italy, that is sometimes easier said then done. The game will be a
tremendously tough match, physical and fast paced," said Baker.

Other News:

Women¹s World Championship scores: Brazil tied Japan 5-5, the Netherlands crushed New Zealand 14-3, Canada edged Greece 9-8, Italy defeated Australia 4-1, and Hungary beat Kazakhstan 12-4

Play by play

The USA and Greece matched point for point the first two quarters. Lorenz scored first for Team USA on a power play goal two minutes into the game. Greece earned a power play goal 20 seconds later to tie the game at 1. Both defenses held on strong to prevent any further scoring in the quarter.

Moody scored a natural goal at the start of the second period to take a 2-1 lead. Greece answered with a natural goal 27 seconds later to even the score
at 2. Moody scored again on a power play goal at 6:12, but Greece rallied with a power play goal 30 seconds later to tie the game 3-3. Team USA took a 4-3 lead when Dingeldein scored a cross-cage shot with 2 seconds left in the half.

Team USA dominated the second half of play. They scored on all five power play advantages plus one natural goal, shut down Greece's offense, and won
the game 10-3.

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Courtesy of United States Water Polo, Inc.
www.usawaterpolo.com

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