USA Women’s Water Polo Advances to FINA World League Super Final

SANTA CRUZ DEL TENERIFE, Spain, June 13. THE USA Women's Senior National Team secured a spot in the title game of the FINA World League Super Final with a 6-5 victory over Canada, their fourth straight win to start the tournament. The two teams have met up quite often already in 2008 and have exchanged several close games with this contest being no different. The game was scoreless after the first period before Team USA broke through with three goals in the second quarter and led at the half 3-1.

In the third quarter each team tallied two goals a piece keeping it at a two goal margin for Team USA at 5-3 going to the fourth. In the final quarter Canada would draw to within one at 6-5 as they outscored Team USA 2-1 in the period but would get no closer as USA hung on for the victory. Team USA was very efficient in their man-up scenarios going 3-4 in the 6×5 game while Canada was just 1-4. Brittany Hayes led on offense with two scores while Betsey Armstrong went the whole way in net impounding nine shots.

"Our games against Canada are always close. Canada is doing a great job and I am impressed with their approach to this tournament. The victory secures our position in the championship game and we are very happy to be back in the title game," said USA Head Coach Guy Baker. Next up for Team USA will be a match with the host country Spain on Saturday before playing in the title game against an opponent to be determined on Sunday. Today also marks the birthday for Team USA's Heather Petri.

Special thanks to USA Water Polo for contributing this report.

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