Fukuoka, Japan - July 18 - The USA Women's National Team picked up their second straight win at the World Aquatics World Championships with a 9-5 win over Australia earlier today.
Tara Prentice scored twice and was named player of the match while
Jenna Flynn and
Ryann Neushul also added two scores apiece to pace the offense.
Amanda Longan went the distance in cage, turning aside 13 shots as the USA defense allowed just two goals after the first quarter. Team USA closes out group play against France with a match early on Thursday morning at 3am et/12am pt. Live streaming coverage is available via
Peacock TV (subscription required). Live stats are available via Total Water Polo by
clicking here.
The two squads came out firing in a high scoring first quarter that saw eight combined goals. With 3:10 remaining in the first a score from Bronte Halligan tied the match at 3-3. Team USA regained the lead for good moments later when
Ryann Neushul ran off two straight power play goals to close the period with the United States in front 5-3. For all the fireworks in the first quarter, the second period was a defensive battle as each side failed to the find the cage, leaving the score 5-3 at the break.
In the third period Team USA found their footing again on offense as Prentice and
Rachel Fattal opened with goals for a 7-3 edge. After Alice Williams scored one of her three goals on the day for Australia, Flynn capped the quarter with a goal for an 8-4 advantage going to the fourth. In the final quarter Australia would draw back within three at 8-5, but
Maddie Musselman converted on a penalty shot on the next possession for Team USA to build a 9-5 lead on the way to the win.
Team USA went 3/6 on power plays and 1/1 on penalties while Australia went 0/3 on power plays and did not attempt a penalty.
Scoring -
Stats
USA 9 (5, 0, 3, 1) T. Prentice 2, J. Flynn 2, R. Neushul 2, M. Musselman 1, R. Fattal 1, J. Raney 1
AUS 5 (3, 0, 1, 1) A. Williams 3, A. Ridge 1, B. Halligan 1
Saves - USA - A. Longan 13 - AUS - G. Palm 3
6x5 - USA - 3/6 - AUS - 0/3
Penalties - USA - 1/1 - AUS - 0/0
