USA Edges Greece 7-5; Advances To Semifinals of FINA Women's World League Super Final
6/12/2009 12:00:00 AM
Kirishi, Russia - June 12 - The USA Women's Senior National Team got back on the winning track following a 13-12 loss to Russia with a 7-5 victory over Greece earlier today. The win propels the team into the semifinals of the FINA World League Super Final where they will meet Australia. The two squads have not met since the semifinals of the 2008 Olympic Games, a match won by the United States.
In this contest it was a slow start for both teams as just one goal was scored in the first period, that courtesy of USA captain Brenda Villa for a 1-0 USA lead. Moving to the second stanza and the goals picked up when Villa fired again and Annika Dries put home a tally to counter two Greek goals for a 3-2 advantage.
Coming out of the half leading by one the United States pushed their advantage higher with two goals by Kelly Rulon and a score from Kami Craig out of two meters. Greece countered with just one score and it was 6-3 Team USA moving to the fourth. Greece looked to rally in the fourth quarter scoring two goals but Rulon answered with another score to keep them at bay and USA took the game 7-5.
Jaime Komer went the distance in net for the United States turning aside 14 shots. Both USA and Greece were perfect on penalty shots going 1/1 while the United States was 3/8 of player advantages and Greece was 2/5.
Flash Quote: "We came out slow and seemed to be a little fatigued from yesterday. It is good to get a win when you are not playing your best. We look forward to playing a competitive game with Australia in the semi's tomorrow."
Scoring:
USA 7 (1, 2, 3, 1) K. Rulon 3, B. Villa 2, K. Craig 1, A. Dries 1
GRE 5 (0, 2, 1, 2)
Saves: J. Komer - USA - 14
6x5 - USA - 3/8 -- GRE - 2/5
Penalties - USA 1/1 - GRE 1/1
Complete Stats
Women's National Team