U.S. Defeats Canada in International Women's Water Polo Tournament

By City News Service

Kami Craig and Maggie Steffens both scored three goals as the U.S. defeated Canada, 15-10, Thursday night in the Holiday Cup women's water polo tournament at Foothill High School in North Tustin.

Annika Dries of Laguna Beach and Melissa Seidemann both scored twice for the U.S., which improved to 2-0 in the six-team, five-day round-robin tournament.

Goalkeeper Betsey Armstrong made 10 saves as the U.S. defeated Canada for the seventh time in their seven games this year.

The U.S. never trailed, breaking a 2-2 tie by scoring the final three goals of the first quarter. The U.S. increased its lead to 9-4 at halftime and led 10-6 entering the fourth quarter.

The U.S. scored on six of its 10 power-play opportunities and Canada six of 11. The U.S. made one of its two penalty shots while Canada made its only penalty shot.

Makenzie Fischer, a junior at Laguna Beach High School, Jillian Kraus of Santa Ana, Alys Williams of Huntington Beach, Priscilla Orozco and Lolo Silver each scored once for the U.S., the world's top-ranked women's water polo team.

Canada is tied with Spain for seventh in the rankings compiled by FINA, the worldwide governing body for aquatics.

In other games today, Greece defeated the Netherlands, 8-6, joining the U.S. as the only teams in the tournament with 2-0 records, and Australia defeated Russia, 9-8.

The U.S. will continue tournament play Friday by facing Russia in a game set to begin at 8:30 p.m. In earlier play Friday, Canada will play Greece at 6 p.m., followed at 7:15 p.m. by a game between Australia and the Netherlands.

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