The USA Women’s National Team rallied from a four goal deficit in the third quarter to defeat Greece 11-8 in a shootout to claim gold at the Kunshan Cup. Mia Rycraw (Walnut, CA/Arizona State/Sun Devil) had eight saves and blocked all three attempts from Greece in the shootout. Maddie Musselman (Newport Beach, CA/UCLA/Cdm Aquatics) led the offense with four goals. Team USA now moves on to the FINA World League Super Final which starts Tuesday in Shanghai. A roster for Team USA will be announced shortly.
Greece started off strong as they led 2-1 after the first quarter and 5-3 at halftime. They went ahead 7-3 in the third quarter before the United States started to rally to close to within 7-4 after three. The United States outscored Greece 4-1 in the fourth quarter leaving the match tied at 8-8 after regulation. In the shootout Team USA dominated. As the United States scored their first three opportunities Rycraw was on the defensive end holding Greece scoreless as the game ended after just three shootout rounds.
Team USA went 4/10 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties in regulation while Greece was 5/9 on power plays and did not attempt a penalty in regulation.
Scoring
USA 11 (1, 2, 1, 4) (3) M. Musselman 4, K. Neushul 2, M. Seidemann 2, M. Brooks 1, A. Fischer 1, M. Fischer 1
GRE 8 (2, 3, 2, 1) (0)
Saves – USA – M. Rycraw 8
6×5 – USA – 4/10 – GRE – 5/9
Penalties – USA – 1/1 – GRE – 0/0
Water Polo news courtesy of USA Water Polo.