USA World University Games Women's Team Earns Silver Medal With 14-4 Loss To China
8/22/2011 12:00:00 AM
Shenzhen, China - August 22 - Taking on largely the same Chinese team that won the Silver Medal at the recent FINA World Championships this past July a tough match was predicted for the USA Women in the World University Games title bout. The prediction proved true in a 14-4 loss for the United States that earned them the Silver Medal at the 2011 World University Games. Leah Robertson and Nadia Dan each scored twice and Amber Oland teamed with Cassie Wyckoff for four saves in the losing effort.
China came out on fire to open the match leading 3-0 after the first quarter and 9-0 at halftime building an advantage that would be impossible to overcome. The United States broke through with two scores in the third quarter but China answered with three scores of their own to hold a 12-2 lead headed to the forth. In the final period the two teams were even with two scores apiece but the match had already been decided and China came away winners 14-4. Team USA went 0/10 on power plays while China was 8/12 on power plays and 2/2 on penalty shots.
"Considering this China team is 100% the same team that finished second at World Championships, everybody else knew they were playing for second. For this team to get a silver was amazing. The key was beating a strong Russia team in group play. Amber Oland was a rock. Leah Robertson won most of her sprints and she and Alyssa Lo were counterattacking machines. Nadia Dan was the best lefty here. Forel Davies, Caroline Clark, and Stephanie Schnugg were studs on two meter defense. I could say something great about every kid. We set the bar high for future World University Games teams," said USA Head Coach Matt Anderson.
Scoring
USA 4 (0, 0, 2, 2) L. Robertson 2, N. Dan 2
CHN 14 (3, 6, 3, 2)
Saves - USA - A. Oland 2, C. Wyckoff 2
6x5 - USA 0/10 - CHN - 8/12
Penalties - USA 0/0 - CHN 2/2
Women's National Team