USA Women’s Water Polo To Play For Gold After 8-7 Defeat Of Australia

TIANJIN, China, June 18. THE USA Women's National Team has advanced to the Gold Medal match of the FINA World League Super Final following a come from behind 8-7 victory over Australia. Two goals from Maggie Steffens (Danville, CA/Monte Vista HS/Diablo) and six saves from Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/Michigan/NYAC) paced the USA effort. They will take on the upstart team from Italy in the finals as Team USA aims for their sixth World League crown.

Australia started off in command building a 2-0 lead before the United States got on the board with a Lolo Silver (Long Beach, CA/Stanford/NYAC) score to make it 2-1. The Aussies came right back with a score to go up 3-1 but that was answered with a tally from Jessica Steffens (Danville, CA/Stanford/NYAC) to draw within 3-2. Australia again followed with a score to go back up by two at 4-2 at the end of the first quarter.

In the second the USA rallied when Maggie Steffens delivered, followed by a score from Lauren Wenger (Long Beach, CA/USC/NYAC) and the match was knotted at 4-4. Australia went up 5-4 but Kelly Rulon (San Diego, CA/UCLA/NYAC) followed converting a penalty shot for a 5-5 match. Aussie captain Kate Gynther scored next to give the Stingers a 6-5 lead at halftime.

The third quarter saw the United States complete another comeback. But first defense was on tap as neither team would find the cage until some five minutes into the period when Maggie Steffens came calling again with a score to tie the match at 6-6. From there Annika Dries (Laguna Beach, CA/Stanford/SET) drew a penalty which was converted by Courtney Mathewson (Anaheim Hills, CA/UCLA/NYAC) and the United States had finally gone in front at 7-6 going to the final quarter.

Three minutes into the final period Australia tied the match on a score at 7-7. Two minutes later Team USA had the final word when Elsie Windes (Portland, OR/California/Tulatin Hills) delivered the difference maker for an 8-7 lead. Final tries by the Aussies were to no avail and Team USA was able to hang on for the victory at 8-7 and move on to the title match.

"After a very disappointing first quarter, our focus and purpose were much more clear. We showed great poise and persistence throughout the entire second half," said Adam Krikorian, USA Head Coach. "We are looking forward to playing in the final against an Italian team that keeps improving. This is a perfect example of the parity in our game."

Team USA went 4/8 on power plays while Italy was 3/8. The United States was 2/2 on penalty shots and Australia went 0/1. In other matches Italy surprised China 7-5, Canada defeated Greece 13-9, and Russia topped Spain 14-12.

Quarters: 4-2, 2-3, 0-2, 1-1

Referees: Andreas MOIRALIS (GRE), German MOLLER (ARG)

Extra Man: AUS: 3/7. USA: 4/8

Pens: AUS: 0/1. USA: 0/0

Teams:

AUSTRALIA: Alicia McCORMACK, Gemma BEADSWORTH, Sophie SMITH, Rebecca RIPPON, Jane MORAN, Bronwen KNOX, Rowena WEBSTER (3), Kate GYNTHER, Glencora RALPH, Holly LINCOLN-SMITH, Ashleigh SOUTHERN, Nicola ZAGAME, Kelsey WAKEFIELD. Head Coach: Alexander OSADCHUK.

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Elizabeth ARMSTRONG, Heather PETRI, Melissa SEIDEMANN, Brenda VILLA, Lauren WENGER (1), Courtney MATHEWSON (1), JESSICA STEFFENS (1), LAUREN SILVER (1), Elsie WINDES (1), Kelly RULON (1), Annika DRIES, Kameryn CRAIG, Margaret STEFFENS (2). HEAD COACH: Adam KRIKORIAN.

Saves – USA – Armstrong – 6

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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