China Defeats Netherlands 7-5
In the opening game of the Women's FINA World League Super Final, China took on the Netherlands, defeating them 7-5. After the first period of play, Netherlands led 2-1. However, China rallied in the third to take a 2 point lead, 4-6. Netherlands failed to capitalize on a power play in the final minutes of the fourth.
CHN (1, 3, 6, 7) F. Teng 2, Y. Sun 1, J. He 1, A. Gao 1, Y. Wang 1, Y. Chen 1
NED (2, 2, 4, 5) B. Nauhverdian 2, S. Van Der Sloot 1, L. Van Belkum 1, N. Klein 1
"We played a strong game, and it was important to win because China are a young team and to bring the feeling of winning to China."
-Juan Jan Giralt, Head Coach, China
"This is the best 9 teams in the world. It's good to play out here. Good atmosphere, good players, good experience for the young players."
-Ilse Sindorf, Assistant Coach, Netherlands
Australia Defeats Russia 12-8
Australia's Jane Moran opened the game with a pair of extra man goals to lead her team to a 5-1 first quarter advantage. Russia closed the gap in the third quarter on a goal out of center by Olga Belyaeva. However, Australia answered with a pair of goals to maintain a comfortable lead going into the fourth quarter. The Aussies added three in the fourth to close out a 12-8 victory over Russia.
AUS (5, 7, 9, 12) J. Moran 3, B. Knox 2, R. Webster 2, G. Beadsworth 1, G. Ralph 1, J. Dessauvagie 1, M. Rippon 1, N. Zagame 1
RUS (1, 3, 5, 8) O. Belyaeva 2, N. Glyzina 2, S. Konukh 1, N. Ryzhova-Alenicheva 1, E. Soboleva 1, O. Karpovich 1
"Water was very cold and our girls weren't used to that cold, so their brains were frozen, and we didn't play well."
- Alexandr Kabanov, Head Coach, Russia
"The top 8 teams in the world are here and to me you're playing to do your best and beat the best, though all of the teams here are all capable of beating each other."
- Greg McFadden, Head Coach, Australia
Canada Defeats Hungary 11-9
Dominique Perreault netted three goals helping to give Canada the edge over Hungary. The teams spent the first two quarters trading goals, ending the half with Canada leading 6-5. The Canadians built on their lead, out scoring Hungary 2-1 in the third. Rita Keszthelyi attempted to boost Hungary in the fourth scoring two goals, but it was not enough as Canada would go on to win the game 11-9.
CAN (3, 6, 8, 11) D. Perreault 3, E. Chikos 2, C. Robinson 2, J. Bekhazi 1, M. Eggens 1, T. Campbell 1, M. Radu 1
HUN (3, 5, 6, 9) G. Szucs 2, O. Takacs 2, R. Keszthelyi 2, D. Kisteleki 1, R. Dravucz 1, I. Toth 1
Saves
CAN - R. Riddell 12
HUN - A. Gyongyossy 7
"We made mistakes on both sides, offense and defense. We couldn't win because we had the wrong ideas."
- Matyas Petrovics, Head Coach, Hungary
"It's great that we have the top 8 here, there are going to be some tights games. This is really the highest level water polo all year."
- Patrick Oaten, Head Coach, Canada
USA Defeats Greece 11-9
Kami Craig scored a hat trick and Lauren Wenger added two goals to lead the United States to a victory in its opening game against Greece. Antigoni Roumpesi scored four for Greece in a losing effort. Elsie Windes and Kami Craig netted back-to-back goals to start the third quarter, extending the Americans' lead to three. The Greeks stormed back to close the gap to one at the beginning of the fourth, only to be put down for good after goals by Maggie Steffens and Lauren Wenger sealed the deal for Team USA.
USA 11 (3, 3, 3, 2) K. Craig 3, L. Wenger 2, A. Dries 1, C. Mathewson 1, T. Gandy 1, M. Steffens 1, L. Silver 1, E. Windes 1
GRE (2, 5, 7, 9) A. Roumpesi 4, K. Liosi 2, A. Asimaki 1, A. Gerolymou 1, T. Manolioudaki 1
Saves
USA - Armstrong 13
GRE - Tsouri 9
"We have a group that's pretty new and I think we'll get a lot better as the tournament goes on."
- Adam Krikorian, Head Coach, USA
"We want to grow together as a team, learn about each other in and out of the water."
- Kami Craig, USA
"Our goal is to get some good games with the best teams, this is a great opportunity."
- Greorgios Morfests, Head Coach, GRE