The USA Women’s National Team used a six goal fourth quarter to defeat China 8-2 on the second day of action at the FINA Women’s Intercontinental Tournament. Kaleigh Gilchrist (Newport Beach, CA/USC/Trojan), Colleen O’Donnell (Palos Verdes, CA/USC/NYAC), and Makenzie Fischer (Laguna Beach, CA/Laguna Beach HS/SET) all scored two goals in the win while Carlee Kapana (Newport Beach, CA/Newport Harbor HS/Newport WPF) racked up nine saves in net. Team USA returns to action on Wednesday when they meet Kazakhstan to close out group play.
It was a quiet offensive match through the first three quarters with Team USA taking a 2-1 lead after the first period. China would score the lone goal of the second period leaving things tied at 2-2 at halftime. In the third quarter, neither team scored setting the stage for a seemingly close final eight minutes. The United States had other ideas. Starting with a drawn penalty from Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, CA/USC/Santa Barbara), converted by Gilchrist, Team USA ran off to six straight goals in the fourth period to build a hefty lead and secure the victory by the same margin at 8-2.
The United States went 2/9 on power plays and 1/1 on penalty shows while China was 0/6 on power plays and did not attempt a penatly shot. “It was a bit bleak for both teams in the first three quarters. Both teams were exhausted with hardly any goals scored. At that point it is about digging deep and finding a way to score. It takes a lot of heart when you’re that tired,” said USA Head Coach Adam Krikorian.
Scoring
USA 8 (2, 0, 0, 6) K. Gilchrist 2, M. Fischer 2, C. O’Donnell 2, A. Fischer 1, M. Berggren 1
CHN 2 (1, 1, 0, 0)
Saves – USA – C. Kapana 9
6×5 – USA – 2/9 – CHN 0/6
Penalties – USA – 1/1 – CHN 0/0
Water Polo News courtesy of USA Water Polo.