Team USA Thumps South Africa, 18-1, in Women’s Water Polo World Cup Opener

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Photo by Joon Baik

KHANTY-MANSIYSK, Russia, August 12. THE USA Women’s Senior National Team opened up the FINA World Cup in convincing fashion with an 18-1 victory over South Africa. The defending World Cup champs never trailed en route to the easy victory. Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, CA/USC/SBWPF) led the way with four goals with ten players scoring at least a goal. Team USA returns to action on Wednesday when they meet Australia at 3:30am pt. A live webcast is offered of all games through FINA TV and can be accessed by clicking here. For complete tournament results, visit the official FINA website by clicking here.

The match vs South Africa was never in doubt with the United States going ahead 3-0 after the first period and 8-0 at halftime. Team USA scored seven more goals in the third period to go up 15-0. South Africa got on the board in the fourth with a goal but Team USA added three more to take the match 18-1. Rachel Fattal (Seal Beach, CA/UCLA/SOCAL) added three goals in the victory.

Team USA went 3/8 on power plays while South Africa was 0/3.

Match 3: 16:00, Group B, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 18 SOUTH AFRICA 1
Quarters: 3-0, 5-0, 7-0, 3-1

Referees: Alexey Krapivin (RUS), Yagi Wang (CHN)
Extra Man: USA: 3/ 8. RSA 0/3
Pens: Nil

Teams:
USA: Samantha Hill, Alys Williams (1), Melissa Seidemann (2), Rachel Fattal (3), KK Clark (1), Maggie Steffens (1), Courtney Mathewson(2), Kiley Neushul (1), Jillian Kraus (1), Kaleigh Gilchrist, Annika Dries (1), Kami Craig (4), Ashleigh Johnson. Head Coach: Adam Krikorian.
SOUTH AFRICA: Anke Jacobs, Amica Hallendorf, Kieren Paley, Kim Rosslee, Carly Wessels, Samantha Shead, Chloe Bradley, Lee-Ann Keet, Christy Rawstrom, Megan Parkes, Deborah O’Hanlon (1), Kelsey White, Rebecca Thomas. Head Coach: Brad Rowe.

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World. To reach our audience, contact us at newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com.

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