The USA Youth Women’s National Team took fifth place at the FINA Youth World Championship in New Zealand following an 11-10 win over Greece on the final day of play. Paige Hauschild (Santa Barbara 805/Coastal) powered the offense with seven goals in the win while Heidi Ritner (CDM Aquatics/SOPAC) recorded nine saves in net. Team USA finished action in New Zealand with just one loss turning in a 5-1-1 record with wins over Japan, Germany, Greece and China twice. To watch a full replay of the fifth place match, click here. For more information on the tournament, click here.
After the two teams tied 10-10 earlier in the tournament, their rematch proved to be close as well. Greece took a 4-3 lead after the first quarter and a 7-6 lead at halftime. Team USA rallied in the third quarter to even the match at 9-9 after three periods. In the final quarter the United States was able to outscore Greece 2-1 to take the match 11-10.
Team USA went 2/7 on power plays while Greece was 5/7 with neither side attempting a penalty shot.
Scoring
USA 11 (3, 3, 3, 2) P. Hauschild 7, A. Fischer 2, S. Klass 1, R. Neushul 1
GRE 10 (4, 3, 2, 1)
Saves – USA – H. Ritner 9
5×4 – USA – 2/7 – GRE – 5/7
Penalties – USA – 0/0 – GRE – 0/0
Courtesy of USA Water Polo.