USA Women’s Water Polo Downs China, 12-9

SANTA CRUZ DEL TENERIFE, Spain, June 12. IT took a full quarter but eventually the USA Women's Senior National Team offense woke up, and did so in a major way scoring 12 goals over the final three quarters to defeat China 12-9 on the third day of the FINA World League Super Final. Erika Figge was huge on offense scoring five goals en route to the win that saw USA shake off 15 exclusions and come back from an early 2-0 deficit.

China came out swinging to start building an early 2-0 lead at the conclusion of the first quarter. USA responded with gusto in the second quarter tallying five scores and claiming the lead at halftime at 5-3. In the second half the Chinese offense returned scoring three times in the third. This was countered by four Team USA Goals and the lead remained in their favor at 9-6 headed to the fourth quarter.

In the final quarter China would continue to try and rally posting three goals but that was matched by three scores from the USA and they would go on for the victory at 12-9 in the high scoring affair. Figge was joined on the offensive parade by Patty Cardenas, Alison Gregorka, and Brittany Hayes who all scored two goals apiece. Lauren Wenger added a goal as well while Betsey Armstrong and Jaime Hipp split time in the cage combining for 12 denials.

"China continues to improve. They will be very tough at the Olympics, as for us I loved our 5×6 on defense today," said USA Head Coach Guy Baker. The next game for Team USA will be on Friday against Canada at 8 a.m. Pacific Time

Special thanks to USA Water Polo for contributing this report.

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