Team USA Water Polo Tops China 8-2 In New Zealand

The USA Women’s National Team used a six goal fourth quarter to defeat China 8-2 on the second day of action at the FINA Women’s Intercontinental Tournament. Kaleigh Gilchrist (Newport Beach, CA/USC/Trojan), Colleen O’Donnell (Palos Verdes, CA/USC/NYAC), and Makenzie Fischer (Laguna Beach, CA/Laguna Beach HS/SET) all scored two goals in the win while Carlee Kapana (Newport Beach, CA/Newport Harbor HS/Newport WPF) racked up nine saves in net. Team USA returns to action on Wednesday when they meet Kazakhstan to close out group play.

It was a quiet offensive match through the first three quarters with Team USA taking a 2-1 lead after the first period. China would score the lone goal of the second period leaving things tied at 2-2 at halftime. In the third quarter, neither team scored setting the stage for a seemingly close final eight minutes. The United States had other ideas. Starting with a drawn penalty from Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, CA/USC/Santa Barbara), converted by Gilchrist, Team USA ran off to six straight goals in the fourth period to build a hefty lead and secure the victory by the same margin at 8-2.

The United States went 2/9 on power plays and 1/1 on penalty shows while China was 0/6 on power plays and did not attempt a penatly shot. “It was a bit bleak for both teams in the first three quarters. Both teams were exhausted with hardly any goals scored. At that point it is about digging deep and finding a way to score. It takes a lot of heart when you’re that tired,” said USA Head Coach Adam Krikorian.

Scoring

USA 8 (2, 0, 0, 6) K. Gilchrist 2, M. Fischer 2, C. O’Donnell 2, A. Fischer 1, M. Berggren 1

CHN 2 (1, 1, 0, 0)

Saves – USA – C. Kapana 9

6×5 – USA – 2/9 – CHN 0/6

Penalties – USA – 1/1 – CHN 0/0

Water Polo News courtesy of USA Water Polo.

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About Gold Medal Mel Stewart

Gold Medal Mel Stewart

MEL STEWART Jr., aka Gold Medal Mel, won three Olympic medals at the 1992 Olympic Games. Mel's best event was the 200 butterfly. He is a former World, American, and NCAA Record holder in the 200 butterfly. As a writer/producer and sports columnist, Mel has contributed to Yahoo Sports, Universal Sports, …

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