Fukuoka, Japan - July 15 - The USA Water Polo Women's National Team opened up their World Championship title defense in Japan with a 15-6 win over China earlier today.
Maddie Musselman scored four goals to lead an offense that saw 10 different athletes find the cage.
Ashleigh Johnson recorded 12 saves in net. Team USA returns to play on Tuesday when they meet Australia at 4:30am et/1:30am pt. Live streaming coverage is available via
Peacock TV (subscription required). Live stats are available via Total Water Polo by
clicking here.
It was a low-scoring affair early as the first period saw just one goal scored, with Musselman giving Team USA a 1-0 lead moving to the second. In the second quarter Team USA went to work, outscoring China 6-2 behind two scores each from
Jordan Raney and
Rachel Fattal for a 7-2 edge at intermission.
Bayley Weber, Musselman and
Kaleigh Gilchrist paced the attack in the third quarter as the United States went in front 10-3. In the fourth China's offense came to life with three goals but it was not enough as the USA attack countered with five goals, the last coming from
Tara Prentice en route to the 15-6 win.
Team USA went 3/6 on power plays and 0/1 on penalties while China went 2/5 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties.
Scoring -
Scoresheet
USA 15 (1, 6, 3, 5) M. Musselman 4, R. Fattal 2, J. Raney 2, T. Prentice 1, M. Steffens 1, J. Roemer 1, R. Neushul 1, J. Sekulic 1, K. Gilchrist 1, B. Weber 1
CHN 6 (0, 2, 1, 3) Zhang 3, Deng 2, Nong 1
Saves - USA - A. Johnson 12 - CHN - Zhang 12
6x5 - USA - 3/6 - CHN 2/5
Penalties - USA - 0/1 - CHN 1/1
