USA Women Rebound With 16-4 Defeat Of Puerto Rico On Day Two Of FINA World League Prelim
5/18/2010 12:00:00 AM
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico - May 18 - The USA Women shook off some jet lag and a 17-7 loss to Canada on Monday and returned to the pool for a 16-4 victory over Puerto Rico at the FINA World League Prelims in Mayaguez. Behind three goals from Jillian Kraus (Tustin, CA/NYAC) and nine saves from Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/NYAC) the squad cruised to victory. Next up is a match with Brazil at 3:30pm est on Wednesday.
As for this match the United States used a 7-1 first period to blitz the Puerto Ricans out of the game. From there the game was at hand as the USA defense took it up a few notches posting shutouts over the next two periods to build a 9-1 lead at halftime and an 11-1 lead after three periods. In the fourth the host country would get back in the mix with three goals but that was countered by five more from the United States for a 16-4 victory.
Along with Kraus' three tallies, Erika Figge (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA/SET), Lauren Wenger (Long Beach, CA/NYAC), Maggie Steffens (Danville, CA/Diablo), and Ashley Grossman (Santa Monica, CA/LA Water Polo) each scored two goals. Rounding out the scoring were scores from Brenda Villa (Commerce, CA/Commerce), Kelly Rulon (Point Loma, CA/SD Shores), Tanya Gandy (San Diego, CA/SD Shores), Courtney Mathewson (Anaheim Hills, CA/NYAC), and Kiley Neushul (Goleta, CA/Santa Barbara WP).
Team USA went 3/7 on power plays while Puerto Rico went 2/4. The United States also converted their lone penalty shot attempt. "Today was a much better performance," said USA Head Coach Adam Krikorian, "It's nice to be acclimated and we look forward to improving as the tournament goes on."
Scoring
USA 7 2 2 5 16
PR 1 0 0 3 4
USA: J. Kraus 3, E. Figge 2, L. Wenger 2, A. Grossman 2, M. Steffens 2, B. Villa 1, K.Neushul 1, T. Gandy 1, K Rulon 1, C. Mathewson 1
Saves - USA - B. Armstrong 9 saves
6 on 5: USA - 3/7 PR - 2/4
Penalties - USA - 1/1
Women's National Team