COSENZA, Italy, July 31. AFTER completing three intense rounds of competition at the FINA World League Super Finals, the U.S. Women’s Senior National team earned the title after defeating host Italy for first on Sunday, 9-6. Russia took third, defeating Australia, 12-7. New Senior National Team Athlete Kami Craig scored two of USA’s nine goals and both teams had problems sinking penalty shots.
The triumph became the U.S. Women’s second gold in the FINA World League. The team also won in 2004, the event’s inaugural year, while Greece won in 2005.
FINAL GAME: USA vs. ITA, 9-6
BOX SCORES:
USA 3 2 1 3 – 9
ITA 2 2 1 1 – 6
SCORERS:
USA Petri 2, Villa 1, Golda 2, Figge 1, Van Norman 1, Craig 2
ITA Di Mario 5, Starace 1
PLAYER ADVANTAGE:
USA 4 of 8
ITA 2 of 8, 2 of 2 (penalty)
Referees: Brgulijan (SCG)/Bock (GER)
OTHER SCORES:
Canada vs. Netherlands 7-9 (1-3, 3-2, 2-2, 1-2) – 5th/6th place
Australia vs. Russia 7-12 (1-4, 1-1, 2-2, 3-5) – 3rd/4th place