USA Women’s Water Polo Edges Australia 9-8 To Advance To Title Game Of FINA Women’s World League Super Final

KIRISHI, Russia, June 14. THE USA Women's Senior National Team outlasted Australia 9-8 in the semifinals of the FINA Women's World League Super Final. A goal by Kelly Rulon with less than a minute remaining was the difference maker to push the United States into the title game with Canada tomorrow.

Australia got off to the good start in this one building a 3-1 lead after the first period as only Kami Craig was able to score for the United States. In the second the Aussies kept their lead, but the United States drew a little closer as scores by Heather Petri and Brenda Villa brought the score to 4-3 in favor of the Australians.

Coming out the intermission the United States made their way all the way back tying the score at 7-7 by the end of the period. Craig scored her second of the day along with Lauren Wenger, Alison Gregorka and Tanya Gandy. In the last quarter the two teams jockeyed back and forth with Brittany Hayes scoring the first goal of the period for the United States. Tied at 8-8 USA Head Coach Adam Krikorian called for a timeout with 56 seconds remaining to setup a final possession. Out of the timeout Rulon was able to score for the United States to take the lead at 9-8, which would go on to be the game winner.

Betsey Armstrong was solid in the cage for the United States refunding 14 shots. Both teams went 3/6 on 6×5 advantages while the United States was 0/2 on penalty shots; Australia did not attempt any penalties.

Flash Quote: "Although we came out victorious we will need to play much better in order to win tomorrow against Canada." Adam Krikorian, Head Coach, Team USA

Scoring:

USA 9 (1, 2, 4, 2) K. Craig 2, K. Rulon 1, T. Gandy 1, L. Wenger 1, B. Villa 1, H. Petri 1, B. Hayes 1, A. Gregorka 1
AUS 8 (3, 1, 3, 1)

Saves – USA – B. Armstrong 14

6×5 – USA 3/6 — AUS 3/6
Penalties – USA 0/2 — AUS 0/2

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.

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use