USA Women Advance To Semifinals Of FINA Water Polo World Cup With 10-5 Win Over Hungary

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand, August 20. THE USA Women's National Team will be assured of playing for a medal at the 2010 FINA World Cup after defeating Hungary 10-5 in the quarterfinal round. Another balanced scoring attack paced the USA offense as Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, CA/Santa Barbara), Anne Belden (Newport Beach, CA/Bruin), Lolo Silver (Long Beach, CA/NYAC), and Elsie Windes (Portland, OR/Tulatin Hills) all scored two goals apiece. Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/NYAC) was a force in the cage locking down 11 shots in the win.

Team USA took the lead in the opening two minutes on a score from Maggie Steffens (Danville, CA/Diablo) and then Windes popped in a lob shot in the final two minutes and that was all the scoring in the first quarter. The United States led 2-0 going to the second period but it was in this period that the Hungarian offense would find some traction. Hungary drew to within a goal at 2-1 at the 6:17 mark. Armstrong kept it from becoming closer with a three save sequence at the 4:45 mark in the quarter. Hungary would eventually tie the game breaking through with a tally with 3:14 remaining in the period to tie the match at 2-2.

The lead was short lived as less than thirty seconds later on a power play Craig surfaced like a submarine coming topside for a quick catch and shoot in front of the cage for a 3-2 lead. That was the score coming out of the gates in the third quarter when Windes struck for her second goal of the match and a 4-2 advantage. Hungary would mount a rally with two straight scores to tie the game at 4-4.

That would be the last gasp on offense for Hungary as the USA defense buckled down and the offense went on a run. With less than two minutes to go in the period the United States racked up three goals started by a power play score from Belden to make it 5-4 after Craig had drawn consecutive kickouts. That was followed by Craig wheeling inside for a score and a 6-4 lead and then Juliet Moss (San Jose, CA/SJ Splash) hitting from six meters for a 7-4 lead to close out the period's scoring.

In the fourth quarter it was more of the same as Belden lit the proverbial lamp with a shot from distance to open the quarter and make it an 8-4 game in favor of the United States. Hungary got one back less than a minute later on a power play but that was countered by a power play goal from Silver and the lead remained four at 9-5. Hungary had a chance to draw closer on a penalty shot but their attempt went high off the cross bar and out of play at the 3:03 mark. Silver put the match to bed with a shot from outside for a 10-5 lead with 2:38 to go and Team USA was into the semifinals.

The United States went 4/11 on power plays while Hungary was 2/6 on power plays and 0/1 on penalty shots. Next up for the United States is a match Saturday evening with the winner of the China/New Zealand tilt. China is the heavy favorite having won their group and gone undefeated through three games while New Zealand is winless through three matches. Regardless the match will take place at 7:30pm local time/12:30am pacific time on August 21.

Quarters: 0-2, 2-1, 2-4, 1-3
Referees: Michael HART (AUS), Alexei KRAPIVIN (RUS) Extra Man: HUN 2/6 plus 0/1 on penalty; USA 4/11
Saves – USA – B. Armstrong 11
TEAMS:
HUNGARY: Orsolya KASO, Hanna KISTELEKI, Rita POSZKOLI, Dora ANTAL, Gabriella SZUCS (1), Orsolya TAKACS (1), Rita DRAVUCZ (C), Rita KESZTHELYI (1), Ildiko TOTH, Barbara BUJKA, Agnes VALKAI (1), Kiata MENCZINGER (1), Aniko GYONGYOSSY. Head Coach: Matyas PETROVICS.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: Elizabeth ARMSTRONG (C), Anne BELDEN (2), Brenda VILLA, Margaret STEFFENS (1), Juliet MOSS (1), Courtney MATHEWSON, Lauren SILVER (2), Elsie WINDES (2), Kelly RULON, Annika DRIES, Kameryn CRAIG (2), Melissa SEIDEMANN, Emily FEHER. Head Coach: Adam KRIKORIAN.

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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