Stanford, CA - June 15 - The U.S. Women's Senior National Team cruised to victory tonight over Greece, 18-5, in the final exhibition of the series. Maggie Steffens, Ryann Neushul, Jenna Flynn, and Jovana Sekulic all recorded hat tricks for Team USA while Ashleigh Johnson tallied ten saves in net. Team USA great Melissa Seidemann was honored pregame to cap off a legendary career that spanned three Olympic gold medals, three World Championship gold medals, and much more.
The United States started this game ready to play from the opening sprint. Tara Prentice, Jewel Roemer, Flynn, and Emily Ausmus all scored before the Greeks knew what hit them. Late in the quarter, Christina Siouti finally found the back of the net for Greece before Neushul added another to put the Americans ahead 5-1 after one.
Maria Myriokefalitaki scored to begin the second period, but Team USA would have the answer again. Three straight goals followed from Flynn, Steffens, and Neushul to push the lead to six. Siouti then converted a penalty attempt for Greece but Kaleigh Gilchrist found her first for the United States with time winding down to make the score 9-3 at halftime.
Maddie Musselman began the third quarter with the tenth goal of the night for the Americans. The Greeks turned to Siouti and Ioanna Chydirioti for two goals to cut the lead in half midway through the period. From there, Sekulic put home back-to-back goals and Steffens and Flynn closed the quarter strong for Team USA, who led 14-5 headed into the final frame.
The fourth period was a formality in this contest but the Americans decided to go out with a statement. Neushul, Sekulic, Steffens, and Ausmus wrapped up an incredible night in the water for Team USA, who emerged victorious, 18-5.
Scoring - Stats via 6-8 Sports
USA 18 (5, 4, 5, 4) M. Steffens 3, R. Neushul 3, J. Flynn 3, J. Sekulic 3, E. Ausmus 2, M. Musselman 1, T. Prentice 1, J. Roemer 1, K. Gilchrist 1
GRE 5 (1, 2, 2, 0) C. Siouti 3, I. Chydirioti 1, M. Myriokefalitaki 1
6-on-5: USA 4/15, GRE 2/10
Penalties: USA 2/3, GRE 1/2
Saves: USA 10 (A. Johnson), GRE 3 (I. Stamatopoulou 2, C. Diamantopoulou 1)
