The USA Women’s National Team picked up their third straight win in a defensive-minded victory over Russia 10-2. Team USA finishes group play at the Kunshan Cup undefeated at 3-0 behind goals from eight different players and a stellar effort from Mia Rycraw (Walnut, CA/Arizona State/Sun Devil) in cage who racked up 11 saves. The United States will play in the quarterfinals on Thursday against an opponent to be determined at 3:00 am pt.
Team USA went ahead 3-1 after the first only to see Russia rally in the second. The Russians outscored the United States 1-0 to trail just 3-2 at halftime. Everything changed in the second half as the United States blanked Russia 7-0 over the final two-quarters to turn a tight game into a comfortable victory 10-2.
The United States went 2/6 on the power play while Russia was 0/6 with neither side attempting a penalty shot.
Scoring
USA 10 (3, 0, 3, 4)
RUS 2 (1, 1, 0, 0)
Saves – USA – M. Rycraw 11
6×5 – USA 2/6 – RUS – 0/6
Penalties – USA 0/0 – RUS 0/0
May 30 – USA 16 China 6
Kunshan, China – May 30 – The USA Women’s National Team defeated China 16-6 to win their second straight game at the Kunshan Cup. Maddie Musselman (Newport Beach, CA/UCLA/CdM Aquatics) again led the team on offense scoring four goals while Gabby Stone (La Jolla, CA/Stanford/San Diego Shores) went the distance in net recording four saves. Team USA returns to action on Wednesday to close out group play when they meet Russia at 1:30 am pt.
Team USA took command early opening up a 4-1 lead after the first quarter and an 8-1 lead at halftime. China looked to rally with three goals in the third but that was countered by four goals from Team USA as their advantage swelled to 12-4. The United States added four more goals in the fourth to win going away 16-6.
Both teams were successful on the advantage with the United States going 6/9 on power plays and China turning in a 3/4 performance. Team USA did not attempt any penalties while China went 1/1. Makenzie Fischer (Laguna Beach, CA/Stanford/SET) and Jamie Neushul (Goleta, CA/Stanford/Santa Barbara 805) added three goals each in the win. Kiley Neushul (Goleta, CA/Stanford/NYAC) bolstered the attack with five steals, four assists and two goals.
Scoring
USA 16 (4, 4, 4, 4) M. Musselman 4, M. Fischer 3, J. Neushul 3, K. Neushul 2, M. Brooks 1, A. Fischer 1, M. Seidemann 1, A. Williams 1
CHN 6 (1, 0, 3, 2)
Saves – USA – G. Stone 4
6×5 – USA – 6/9 – CHN 3/4
Penalties – USA – 0/0 – CHN 1/1
May 29 – USA 11 Netherlands 10
Kunshan, China – May 29 – The USA Women opened play at the Kunshan Cup in China with an 11-10 win over the Netherlands. Maddie Musselman (Newport Beach, CA/UCLA/CdM Aquatics) scored three goals while Mia Rycraw (Walnut, CA/Arizona State/Sun Devil) posted six saves in net. Team USA returns to action tomorrow against China at 4:30 am pt.
Team USA jumped out to a 4-1 lead after the first quarter and held a 7-4 lead at halftime. The Netherlands rallied in the third quarter outscoring Team USA 3-1 to close within a goal at 8-7 after three. The two teams were even in the fourth quarter with three goals each and the United States was able to hang on for the 11-10 win.
The United States went 3/5 on power plays and did not attempt a penalty while the Netherlands went 5/6 on power plays and 1/1 on penalty shots.
Scoring
USA 11 (4, 3, 1, 3) M. Musselman 3, M. Seidemann 2, A. Fischer 2, J. Raney 1, K. Neushul 1, J. Neushul 1, M. Fischer 1
NED 10 (1, 3, 3, 3)
Saves – USA – M. Rycraw 6
6×5 – USA – 3/5 – NED 5/6
Penalties – USA – 0/0 – NED 1/1
Water polo news courtesy of USA Water Polo.
