Ibague, Colombia - November 22 - The U.S. Women's Senior National Team handled the host nation of Colombia 24-3 today at the 2024 PanAm Water Polo Championships. Julia Bonaguidi and Anna Pearson both scored four for the United States while goalkeepers Amanda Longan and Lauren Steele each tallied three saves. Team USA is back in the pool tomorrow against Brazil at 9:00am et/6:00am pt.
The Americans started strong in hostile territory to begin this game. After a first quarter in which Bonaguidi (2), Charlotte Raisin, Allison Cohen, Jovana Sekulic, and Ava Stryker scored while the team played lockdown defense, Team USA led 6-0.
The second period brought the biggest offensive output of the day. Bonaguidi, Quinn Healy, Rachel Gazzaniga, Raisin, and Lucy Haaland-Ford extended the early lead followed by Sara Vanegas getting Colombia on the board. The United States closed the half on another run, this time with goals from Pearson (2) and Raisin, to hold a 14-1 advantage at the break.
Coming out of halftime, Team USA remained on a mission. Consecutive goals from Sekulic, Pearson, Tara Prentice, and Cohen were only interrupted by another score for Vanegas. With just under two minutes to play in the quarter, Prentice found the back of the net for a 19-2 lead after three.
In the final frame, Vanegas would not be denied as she notched a hat trick for Colombia before the Americans cruised to the finish line behind scores from Prentice, Pearson, Bonaguidi, Stryker, and Healy for a 24-3 victory.
The United States went 5/8 on player advantages and 5/5 on penalties attempted while Colombia went 1/7 on player advantages with no penalties attempted.
Scoring - Scoresheet
USA 24 (6, 8, 5, 5) J. Bonaguidi 4, A. Pearson 4, T. Prentice 3, C. Raisin 3, J. Sekulic 2, A. Cohen 2, Q. Healy 2, A. Stryker 2, R. Gazzaniga 1, L. Haaland-Ford 1
COL 3 (0, 1, 1, 1) S. Vanegas 3
Saves - USA - A. Longan 3, L. Steele 3 - COL - I. Arboleda 1
6x5 - USA - 5/8 - COL - 1/7
Penalties - USA - 5/5 - COL - 0/0
