Laguna’s Annika Dries Helps U.S. Water Polo to Victory in World League Super Finals

The U.S. women's national water polo team defeated Hungary, 10-7, Monday to complete group play in the FINA World League Super Finals in Beijing as Melissa Seidemann scored three goals and goalkeeper Tumua Anae (Newport Beach) made 16 saves. 

The U.S. led 4-1 at halftime, but the lead was cut to 4-3 early in the third quarter as Barbara Bujka and Dora Antal scored for Hungary. The Americans scored the next six goals -- the first two by Seidemann, one each by Annika Dries (Laguna Beach) and Kami Craig and the final two by Kiley Neushul. 

Hungary out-scored the U.S., 4-0, in the fourth quarter. 

The U.S. led 2-1 at the end of the first quarter on goals by Maggie Steffens and Craig. Seidemann and Lolo Silver (Long Beach) scored in the second quarter. 

"Hungary can play much better than that, but our goalkeeper played excellently," said U.S. coach Adam Krikorian, whose team trains in Los Alamitos. "We got to a comfort level and getting ready for the quarterfinals. 

"We showed signs of fatigue and need to lift poor fitness levels. It's great to play six games in six days. The level will get better as we go on and prepare for the world championships." 

The U.S. was 2-1 in group play, finishing first in its four-team group. The Americans will face Canada, which finished fourth in its group, Tuesday in a quarterfinal. 

- City News Service