FINA World League Superfinal 2011

FINA World League
Women's Super Final
2012

Changshu, China

Groups

Group A		Group B
USA*		CAN (Canada)
GER (Germany)		ITA (Italy)
GRE (Greece)		RUS (Russia)
CHN (China)		AUS (Australia)

* For US Roster click on any USA flag.
Then cick on player's name for bio.

Schedule and Results

May 29
May 30
May 31
June 1
June 2
June 3

DAY 1 - 29 May 2012

CHINA, Changshu (May 29) - The ninth edition of the FINA Women's Water Polo World League Super Final successfully kicked off in Changshu (CHN) where eight world-class women's water polo teams will fight for the podium during an exciting six days. In the preliminary games of Group A and B, defending champion USA eclipsed host China 10-6, world champion Greece comfortably edged Germany 16-11, world number 3 Russia had a solid win over Italy 16-3 and 2011 World League bronze-medallist Australia crushed Canada 20-4.

Zhou Xin, FINA Press Correspondent in China

#1 ITA 3 vs. RUS 16

(7-3, 3-1, 2-0, 4-1)

Referees: Kazuhiko Makita, Amber Marie Drury-Pinto

Teams:

RUSSIA: Maria Kovtunovskaia, Nadezhda Fedotova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva, Sofya Konukh (captain), Alexandra Antonova, Victoria Kurochkina, Ekaterina Tankeeva, Marina Kalyagina, Ksenia Krimer, Olga Belova, Evgeniya Ivanova, Diana Antonova, Anna Karnaukh. Head coach: Alexander Kabanov.

Russia dominated the match from the very beginning, putting constant pressure on the Italian squad, whose biggest assets are missing. Russia scored first after 34 seconds in the first quarter. Though Italy tied 1:1 less than one minute later, Tankeeva (RUS) quickly caught up, scoring a day-high five goals with teammates Fedotova and Belova adding four and three goals each, respectively, for a clean win.

Day 1
RUS vs. ITA - credit Han Yuqing

#4 USA* 10 vs. CHN 6

(3-3, 0-2, 4-1, 3-0)

Referees: Denis Danelon, Emanuel Taylan

Teams:

USA: Elizabeth Armstrong, Heather Petri, Melissa Seidemann, Brenda Villa (captain), Lauren Wengerl, Margaret Steffens, Courtney Mathewson, Jessica Steffens, Elsie Windes, Kelly Rulon, Annika Dries, Kameryn Craig, Tumuaialii Anae. Head coach: Adam Krikorian.

CHN: Yang JUn, Teng Fei, Liu Ping, Sun Yujun, He Jin, Sun Yating, Song Donglun, Gao Ao, Wang Yi, Ma Huanhuan (captain), Sun Huizi, Zhang Lei, Wang Ying. Head coach: Juan Jane Giralt.

Despite a slow start, six-time World League champions USA came from behind to beat world runner-up China 10-6. The host squad had the edge in the first half of the game with a safe 5-3 lead. Soon the Americans strengthened their defence and narrowed the gap in the last two quarters for a decisive win.

"It is always very hard to play the first game, in any meet. Our players were very nervous at the beginning, but as soon as they settled down, they played much better," said U.S. head coach Adam Krikorian.

For China's head coach Juan Jane Giralt, his players made too many mistakes in the second half: "We only performed well for the first two quarters, then we were in a mess, especially in the defence. I don't think it is a problem of strength. It is a problem of the way of thinking and playing ball game."

Day1 Photo 2
US vs. CHN - credit Han Yuqing

Changshu, China - May 29 - The U.S. Olympic Women's Water Polo Team opened played at the FINA World League Super Final with a 10-6 win over China. Brenda Villa (Commerce, CA/Stanford/Olympic Club), Melissa Seidemann (Walnut Creek, CA/Stanford/Stanford/) and Lauren Wenger (Long Beach, CA/USC/NYAC) all scored twice to pace the offense while Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/Michigan/NYAC) posted nine saves in the cage. Team USA, winners of Gold at the last three FINA World League Super Finals, take on Greece on Wednesday.

It was a high scoring affair to begin, as both teams tallied three goals in the opening period to be even 3-3 after the first. China surged ahead in the second period, outscoring the Americans 2-0, to build a 5-3 lead at halftime. The second half belonged to the United States as they dominated China, outscoring the Chinese 4-1 in the third to claim a 7-6 lead after three periods. In the fourth Team USA put the match away posting three more goals and keeping China off the board to grab a 10-6 win.

Other scorers for the United States included a goal each from Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, CA/USC/Santa Barbara), Annika Dries (Laguna Beach, CA/Stanford/SET), Maggie Steffens (Danville, CA/Stanford/Diablo), and Heather Petri (Orinda, CA/California/NYAC). The United States went 2/4 on power plays while China was 3/10, neither team attempted a penalty shot.

"We were very disorganized and chaotic in the first half. But I was very happy with how disciplined and organized we played in the second half," said Adam Krikorian, USA Head Coach.

Scoring

USA 10 (3, 0, 4, 3) B. Villa 2, L.Wenger 2, M. Seidemann 2, M. Steffens 1, K. Craig 1, A. Dries 1, H. Petri 1

CHN 6 (3, 2, 1, 0)

Saves - USA - B. Armstrong 9
6x5 - USA - 2/4 - CHN 3/10
Penalties - USA - 0/0 - CHN 0/0

Greg Mescall
Associate Director of Communications
USA Water Polo

#2 GER 11 vs. GRE 16

(4-3, 4-3, 5-2, 3-3)

Referees: Critina Taccini, Dreval Svetlana

Teams:

GREECE: Eleni Kouvdou, Christina Chrysoula Tsoukala, Christina Kotsia, Ilektra Maria Psouni, Stefania Charalampidi, Alkisti Avramidou, Asimaki Avramidou, (captain), Ioanna Charalampidi, Eleftheria Plevritou, Manolioudaki Triantaf, Margarita Plevritou, Stamatina Koutogianni, Vasiliki Diamantopoulou. Head coach: Gerorgios Morfesis.

Day1 Photo 3
GRE vs. GER - credit Han Yuqing

#3 CAN 4 vs. AUS 20

(7-3, 4-0, 5-1, 4-0)

Referees: Alxl Bender, Birakis Michail

Teams:

AUSTRALIA: Victoria Brown, Gemma Beadswork, Sophie Smith, Zoe A., Jane Moran, Bronwen Knox, Rowena Webster, Kate Gynther (captain), Glencora Rippon, Ashleigh Southem, Melissa Rippon, Nicola Zapame, Alicia Mclormack. Head coach: Greg Mcfadden.

CANADA: Serena Bredin, Kelly MeKee Blair, Katrina Monton, Alexia Tielmann, Stephanie Valin, Sophie Baron, Joelle Bekhazi (captain), Rebekka Stennkamer, Joannie Morisseau, Monika Eggens, Carmen Eggens, Dominique Perreault, Emma Wright. Head coach: Justin Oliveira.

Canada sent a young team to attend the Super Final and suffered many blocks from the experienced Australians. In the last quarter, Australia's team captain Kate Gynther led Gemma Sophie, Rowena Webster and Nicola Zapame to score one goal each while Rowena Webster gave her team the last shot 27 seconds before the end. Monika Eggens scored twice for Canada in the first and third quarter while teammate Sophie Baron added one in the first quarter.

Day 1 Photo 4
AUS vs. CAN - credit Han Yuqing

POINTS TABLES

GROUP A	USA	GER	GRE	CHN	Points	Place
USA				10-6 (3)	3
GER			11-16 (0)		0
GRE		16-11 (3)			3
CHN	6-10 (0)				0

GROUP B	CAN	ITA	RUS	AUS	Points	Place
CAN				4-20 (0)	0
ITA				3-16 (0)	0
RUS	16-3 (3)				3
AUS	20-4 (3)				3

May 29
May 30
May 31
June 1
June 2
June 3

DAY 2 - 30 May 201

CHINA, Changshu (May 30) - Australia, Russia and the United States continued their dominance with two victories each after day 2 of the 2012 FINA Women's Water Polo World League Super Final in Changshu (CHN) while the home squad registered a clean win (15-4) over Germany. China and Greece continue to look strong, each winning one game. Canada, Germany and Italy are still in the race despite their two losses.

Zhou Xin, FINA Press Correspondent in China

#5USA* 8 vs. GRE 4

(2-0, 2-1, 3-2, 1-1)

Referees: Cristina Taccini, Daniel Flahive

Teams:

GREECE: Kouvdou Eleni, Tsoukala Christina Chrysoula, Kotsia Christina, Psouni Ilektra Maria, Charalampidi Stefania, Avramidou Alkisti, Asimaki Avramidou (captain), Charalampidi Ioanna, Plevritou Eleftheria, Triantaf Manolioudaki, Plevritou Margarita, Koutogianni Stamatina, Diamantopoulou Vasiliki. Head coach: Georgios Morfesis.

U.S. captain Brenda Villa was the best Scorer of the day with four successful shots, including one from a penalty shootout at 1:43 in the first quarter. It was Kameryn Craig who opened the Greek gate at 4:20. She also scored a goal at 0.06 in the third quarter, bringing the U.S. lead to 7. Greece could not do much against the defending champions. In the second period, team captain Avramidou Asimaki scored Greece's first goal at 4:15. Teammates Stefania Charalampidi and Christina Tsoukala added two more for Greece in the third period. Tsoukala's second successful attempt in the last period was not enough for the Greek team, having to settle with a total score of 4-8.

U.S. team Head coach, Adam Krikorian, said on the victory: "I have two different feelings. I'm happy with their play of defence but we lack offence and intelligence. I expected more on the offence, we made bad decisions and missed many shots. We could be better on that. In fact, I thought yesterday our offence was better than today. Greece, though it is a young team, is still good."

Greece's Head coach Georgios Morfesis commented on the loss: "The USA is the best team in the world. Half of our players are young. We could not find a solution to attack but I think the results 4-8 is all right for us. Last year's world champions was another team. Our young players need a lot of work and experience."

Day 2 Photo 5
USA vs. GRE - credit Han Yuqing

Changshu, China - May 30 - The U.S. Olympic Women's Water Polo Team picked up their second straight win at the FINA World League Super Final with an 8-4 win over Greece. Brenda Villa (Commerce, CA/Stanford/Olympic Club) led the way with four goals on offense and Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/Michigan/NYAC) went the distance in net, stopping 11 shots.

Team USA was in control early building a 2-0 lead after the first and a 4-1 lead at halftime. In the third, they kept it up outscoring the Greeks 3-2 to take a 7-3 lead going to the fourth. In the final period the teams were even with a goal apiece to finish with USA in front 8-4. Team USA did the job with almost exclusively natural goals, going 0/1 on power plays and 1/1 on penalty shots. Greece was 3/6 power plays and did not attempt a penalty shot.

"We played well defensively today but lacked in offensive execution. We hope that we can play well on both ends of the pool tomorrow," said USA Head Coach Adam Krikorian.

Scoring

USA 8 (2, 2, 3, 1) B. Villa 4, K. Craig 2, C. Mathewson 1, L. Wenger 1

GRE 4 (0, 1, 2, 1)

Saves - USA - B. Armstrong - 11
6x5 - USA - 0/1 - GRE 3/6
Penalties - USA - 1/1 - GRE - 0/0

Greg Mescall
Associate Director of Communications
USA Water Polo

#7 GER 4 vs. CHN 15

(2-1, 4-0, 5-0, 4-3)

Referees: Dreval Svetlana, Dykman Mikhail

Teams:

CHINA: Yang Jun, Teng Fei, Zhu Yajing, Sun Yujun, He Jin, Sun Yating, Song Donglun, Gao Ao, Wang Yi, Ma Huanhuan (captain), Sun Huizi, Zhang Lei, Wang Ying. Head coach: Juan Jane Giralt.

GERMANY: Bianca Ahrens, Jasmin Krieter, Tatjana Steinhauer, Carolin Seifert, Claudia Blomenkamp, Anja Seifert, Monika Kruszona, Claudia Kern, Kim Illinger, Jenny Stiefel, Carmen Gelse (captain), Bianca Seifert, Jana Lueg. Head coach: Rene Reimann.

After a wavering game against the six-time World League champions USA the day before, China renewed with confidence, beating Germany 15-4. Wang Yi, Teng Fei and Zhang Lei scored three goals each to the delight of the home crowd. Wang opened the score at 2:53 in the first period. Lei increased China's lead by scoring twice within the same minute in the second quarter while Teng netted three shots in the third and fourth quarter, sealing China's victory. Only in the last quarter were the Germans able to slightly reduce the gap, with three goals by Carolin Seifert, Claudia Blomenkamp and Claudia Kern.

Juan Jane Giralt, China's Head coach, said post-game: "Winning is not the most important thing for us. Our players should understand how to play a better and clearer game every time. I understand that sometimes the players are very tired during the match, but I have to push them hardly. The reason why we are more eager to shoot today than yesterday? Because the Americans are the world champions while playing against Germany is not the same thing. Our performance depends on the opponent sometimes."

Germany's Head coach Rene Reimann said on his team's loss: "China is very strong. Our defence in the beginning was good, but not consistent throughout the game."

Day 2 Photo 6
GER vs. CHN - Han Yuqing

#6 ITA 2 vs. AUS 12

(3-0, 3-1, 3-0, 3-1)

Referees: Emanuel Taylan, Anlong Meng

Teams:

ITALY: Federica Eugenia Lavi, Ursula Gitto, Martina Verducci, Giulia Viacava, Alessia Millo, Laura Repetto, Giovanna Pellegrino, Claudia Marletta, Valeria Grazia Palmieri, Carla Carrega, Giusy Citino, Francesca Pomeri (captain), Sara Dario. Head coach: Paolo Zizza.

Australia comfortably dominated the operations with eight different playing firing three successful shots in each period. Sophie Smith scored the first goal at 0:36 in the opening quarter, adding one more in the second period. Australia's team captain Kate Gynther netted one shot in the second, third and last quarter. The remaining goals came from teammates Gemma Beadswork, Bronwen Knox, Rowena Webster, Ashleigh Southen and Nicola Zagame. Italy could not do much against the experienced Australians, scoring once in the second and last period: Sara Dario was first at 7:06 and Alessia Millo's late attempt at just 0.01 second before the game ended gave Italy a total score of 2.

Italian coach Paolo Zizza said on his team's performance: "It was a good match, very good defence, not so good in the offence. we have to improve."

Australia's Head coach Greg Mcfadden said on the victory: "I'm disappointed that we didn't made good attacks. We lost a lot of opportunities. Our defence, though, is very good, I'm happy with that. There were a lot of rushed opportunities. Our girls were not patient enough and had poor options."

Day 2 Photo 7
ITA vs. AUS - Han Yuqing

#8 CAN 7 vs. RUS 10

(2-2, 2-2, 2-1, 4-2)

Referees, Denis Danelon, Michail Birakis

Teams:

CANADA: Serena Bredin, Kelly McKee Blair, Katrina Monton, Alexia Tielmann, Stephanie Valin, Sophie Baron, Joelle Bekhazi (captain),Hanna Yelizarova, Joannie Morisseau, Monika Eggens, Carmen Eggens, Dominique Perreault, Emma Wright. Head coach: Justin Oliveira.

RUSSIA: Maria Kovtunovskaia, Nadezhda Fedotova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva, Sofya Konukh (captain), Alexandra Antonova, Victoria Kurochkina, Ekaterina Lisunova, Marina Kalyagina, Ekaterina Tankeeva, Olga Belova, Evgeniya Ivanova, Diana Antonova, Ksenia Krimer. Head coach Alexander Kabanov.

The last game of the day was unexpectedly close with both teams finishing on a tie in the first half. The Russians eventually prevailed despite a consistent offence from the Canadians. In the last period, Russia's Nadezhda Fedotova threw a fast shot to set a four-goal advantage for her team (9-5) at 4:11. The remaining goals came from teammates Ekaterina Lisunova, Olga Belova and Evgeniya Ivanova. Canada remained strong until the very end with two successful shots by Dominique Perreault and Joelle Bekhazi at 1:00 and 0.08.

Canada's Head coach Justin Oliveira said after the game: "I'm very happy with my girls today. We didn't play very well yesterday, but today the team came out strong and pressed the opponents. They played extremely well and they communicated a lot which is excellent. Our defence was excellent today."

Day 2 Photo 8
CAN vs. RUS - Han Yuqing

POINTS TABLES

GROUP A	USA	GER	GRE	CHN	Points	Place
USA			8-4 (3)	10-6 (3)	6
GER			11-16 (0)	4-15 (0)	0
GRE	4-8 (0)	16-11 (3)			3
CHN	6-10 (0)	15-4 (3)			3

GROUP B	CAN	ITA	RUS	AUS	Points	Place
CAN			7-10 (0)	4-20 (0)	0
ITA			2-12 (0)	3-16 (0)	0
RUS	10-7 (3)	16-3 (3)			6
AUS	20-4 (3)	12-2 (3)			6

May 29
May 30
May 31
June 1
June 2
June 3

DAY 3 - 31 May 2012

CHINA, Changshu (May 31) - The race for the podium escalated in the last game of Day 3 of the FINA Women's Water Polo World League Super Final with the Australian team delivering an intense battle to beat the Russians after an amazing penalty shootout for a close 9-7 victory. Defending champions USA easily crushed Germany 17-3, Canada defeated Italy 9-4 and Greece stunned host China 12-9.

The last day of preliminaries see USA and China climbing on top of Group A while Australia and Russia finish 1-2 of Group B. The four advance to the quarter finals as strong favourites.

Zhou Xin, FINA Press Correspondent in China

#9 ITA 4 vs. CAN 9

(0-2, 1-3, 0-3, 3-1)

Referees: Meng Anlong, Drury

Teams:

CANADA: Serena Bredin, Kelly McKee Blair, Katrina Monton, Alexia Tielmann, Stephanie Valin, Sophie Baron, Joelle Bekhazi (captain), Hanna Yelizarova, Rebekka Steenkamer, Monika Eggens, Carmen Eggens, Dominique Perreault, Emma Wright. Head coach: Justin Oliveira.

Canada dominated from the start with a powerful shot by Alexia Tielmann at 4:15. The Canadians continued their offence, comfortably leading 8-1 after the third quarter. Monika Eggens scored three goals for Canada in the first three quarters. The last quarter was the wake-up call for the Italian squad with Giulia Viacava, Laura Repetto and Giovanna Pellegrino scoring scoring one goal each at 6:45, 5:37 and 3:49 respectively, to narrow the gap with Canada.

Italy's Head coach Paolo Zizza said on the loss:"Sara Dario and Laura Repetto were our stars today. They played better than yesterday. It was very, very difficult to play against Canada."

Canada's Head coach Justin Oliveira said on his victorious team: "I'm very, very happy that our girls played an intensive game against Italy. They did an excellent job. Our young players have only been working together for two weeks. They bring a lot of emotions into the game. They really want to try hard and give out 100 percent. Tomorrow we will play the winner of the China-Greece game. I guess my girls would love to play against China because it is the home squad. The crowd will make them excited. They need to gain such experience against the hosts in their early career."

Day 3 Photo 9
ITA vs. CAN - Han Yuqing

#12 GRE 9 vs. CHN 12

(2-2, 4-3, 2-6, 1-1)

Referees: Denis Danelon, Axel Bender

Teams:

GREECE: Eleni Kouvdou, Christina Chrysoula Tsoukala, Christina Kotsia, Ilektra Maria Psouni, Stefania Charalampidi, Avramidou Alkisti, Alexandra Asimaki (captain), Ioanna Charalampidi, Eleftheria Plevritou, Manolioudaki Triantaf, Margarita Plevritou, Stamatina Koutogianni, Chrysoula Diamantopoulou. Head coach: Georgios Morfesis.

CHINA: Yang Jun, Teng Fei, Zhu Yajing, Sun Yujun, He Jin, Sun Yating, Song Donglun, Gao Ao, Wang Yi, Ma Huanhuan (captain), Sun Huizi, Zhang Lei, Wang Ying. Head coach: Juan Jane Giralt.

World runner-up China faced pressure from Greece but soon gain momentum to eventually win the game 12-9. In the first quarter, Greece took the lead 2-0 before China's Head coach Juan Jane Giralt called a time-out. With their opponent still strong at half of the game, China struggled to take the lead, firing six shots in the third quarter to enjoy a three-goal advantage. China's Sun Yating and Wang Yi scored three goals each in the game.

Post-game, China's Head coach Giralt said: "We just played a little better than Greece. Our players seemed sleepy in the first half that's why I called a time-out after 0-2 in the first quarter. I'm happy that goalkeeper Gao Jun was awake from the third quarter on. She played a very important role for the whole team."

Greece's Head coach Morfesis also reflected on his team's performance: "Today, we saved a lot of goals. We were good in defence. Our team is very young with an average age of 20 years old. We need time and experience to play this kind of game level."

Day 3 Photo 10
GRE vs. CHN - Han Yuqing

#10 GER 3 vs. USA* 17

(5-0, 5-1, 3-1, 4-1)

Referees: Kazuhiko Makit, Daniel Flahive

Teams:

USA: Elizabeth Armstrong, Heather Petri, Melissa Seidemann, Brenda Villa, (captain), Lauren Wenger, M. Seidemann, Margaret Steffens, Jessica Steffens, Elsie Windes, Kelly Rulon, Annika Dries, Kameryn Craig, Tumuaialii Anae. Head coach: Adam Krikorian.

The six-time World League champions had little trouble overcoming the Germans, imposing a 5-0 lead from the very beginning and repeating the strategy in the second quarter. Melissa Seidemann netted three shots for the U.S. while the rest came from eight other teammates.

U.S. team Head coach Krikorian said on the victory:"We played well in defence and offence. We're now getting ready for the London Olympic Games. We had three wins in the group, but it's very important for tomorrow's match. We need to be careful to every rival."

Germany's Head coach Reimann said on the loss: "It's a bad day for us. We really wanted to do something in the offence but we could not work it out. I wanted my team to fight until the last moment, not to give up. We found no way to get our center to make good passes and shots. Team USA is physically stronger and is the best in the world."

Day 3 Photo 11
GER vs. USA - Han Yuqing

Changshu, China - May 31 - The U.S. Olympic Women's Water Polo Team dominated Germany in a 17-3 win to complete group play at the FINA World League Super Final with a perfect record. The team now advances to a quarterfinal match-up with Italy on Friday. Nine different players scored in the win for Team USA, led by three goals from Melissa Seidemann (Walnut Creek, CA/Stanford/Stanford). Tumua Anae (Newport Beach, CA/USC/SOCAL) did the job in net, turning aside seven shots.

Team USA was never challenged in this match leading 5-0 after the first period and 10-1 at halftime. In the third they expanded to a 13-2 lead after the third quarter and closed the match out by outscoring the Germans 4-1 in the final period. The United States went 2/5 on power plays while Germany was 0/1. Team USA missed their lone penalty shot while Germany did not attempt any.

Scoring

USA 17 (5, 5, 3, 4) M. Seidemann 3, M. Steffens 2, J. Steffens 2, K. Rulon 2, K. Craig 2, H. Petri 2, A. Dries 2, E. Windes 1, L. Wenger 1

GER 3 (0, 1, 1, 1)

Saves - USA - T. Anae - 7
6x5 - USA - 2/5 - GER 0-1
Penalties - USA 0/1 - GER 0/0

Greg Mescall
Associate Director of Communications
USA Water Polo

#11 RUS 7 vs. AUS 9 (Penaly shoot out)

(3-2, 2-3, 1-1, 0-0, extra time 1-3)

Referees: Emanuel Taylan, Birakis Michail

Teams:

RUSSIA: Maria Kovtunovskaia, Nadezhda Fedotova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva, Sofya Konukh (captain), Alexandra Antonova, Victoria Kurochkina, Ekaterina Lisunova, Marina Kalyagina, Ekaterina Tankeeva, Olga Belova, Evgeniya Ivanova, Diana Antonova, Ksenia Krimer. Head coach: Alexander Kabanov.

The last game of the day was a very balanced one between two equally as strong opponents; 2011 World League bronze medallist Australia and World number 3 Russia. After an intense battle in the first three quarters, the two teams tied 6-6. With none of the teams netting a single shot in the last quarter, the outcome of the game would be decided through penalty shootouts. The Russians, despite benefiting from an extra-man advantage, scored only once while Australia's three scoring attempts proved successful.

Australia's Head coach Mcfadden said on the victory: "We were lucky in the end. The goalkeeper saved us. I expected it to be a tough game. Both teams were missing two of their best players and it didn't make any difference to us."

Russia's Head coach Kabanov reflected on the tight finish: "It is a pity that we missed some shots when we had several major advantage opportunities, however, I like the way my girls played. We just needed more luck in the penalty shootouts."

Day 3 Photo 12
RUS vs. AUS - Han Yuqing

POINTS TABLES

GROUP A	USA	GER	GRE	CHN	Points	Place
USA		17-3 (3)	8-4 (3)	10-6 (3)	9	1st
GER	3-17 (0)		11-16 (0)	4-15 (0)	0	4th
GRE	4-8 (0)	16-11 (3)		9-12 (0)	3	3rd
CHN	6-10 (0)	15-4 (3)	12-9 (3)		6	2nd

GROUP B	CAN	ITA	RUS	AUS	Points	Place
CAN		9-4 (3)	7-10 (0)	4-20 (0)	3	3rd
ITA	4-9 (0)		2-12 (0)	3-16 (0)	0	4th
RUS	10-7 (3)	16-3 (3)		7-9 (1)	7	2nd
AUS	20-4 (3)	12-2 (3)	9-7 (2)		8	1st

May 29
May 30
May 31
June 1
June 2
June 3

DAY 4 - 1 June 2012

CHINA, Changshu (June 1) - Greece stunned Russia in a tight 11-9 victory and makes its way to the semi finals of the FINA Women's Water Polo World League Super Final. Australia, USA and host China all won their match in convincing fashion against Germany (18-0), Italy (14-2) and Canada (13-7), respectively, to reach the semi finals stage as well.

Zhou Xin, FINA Press Correspondent in China

#13 CHN 13 vs. CAN 7

(3-1,2-2, 4-3, 4-1)

Referees: Emanuel Taylan, Dreval Svetlana

Teams:

CHINA: Yang Jun, Teng Fei, Liu Ping, Sun Yujun, He Jin, Sun Yating, Song Donglun, Gao Ao, Wang Yi, Ma Huanhuan (captain), Sun Huizi, Zhang Lei, Wang Ying. Head coach: Juan Jane Giralt.

CANADA: Serena Bredin, Joannie Morisseau, Katrina Monton, Alexia Tielmann, Stephanie Valin, Sophie Baron, Joelle Bekhazi (captain), Hanna Yelizarova, Rebekka Steenkamer, Monika Eggens, Carmen Eggens, Dominique Perreault, Emma Wright. Head coach: Justin Oliveira.

China's Head coach Juan Jane Giralt could not have hoped for a better birthday gift on this day: a 13-7 victory over strong rival Canada. Locals Zhang Lei and Wang Yi scored three goals each during the game while Gao Ao netted two in the first and second quarters. Sun Huizi scored the first goal at 5:03, Canada answered a little more than a minute later with a goal from Monika Eggens. China took the lead again with Sun Yujun's goal at 1:45 and another one by Gao Ao at 0:10. The second period ended on a tie (2-2). In the second half, China clearly imposed their lead with four goals netted in each of the third and last quarters. Sun Yating scored the last goal for China at 2:09.

Gao Jun, China's goal keeper, said after the win: "We are happy that we played a good game for our coach Juan as a birthday gift. We made some improvement in the attacks today but we need to strengthen our defence."

Canada's Head coach Justin Oliveira said on the loss: "We were good in the first half, but we missed many shots in the second half. We had some problems on the defence against China. It was a tough game."

Day 4 Photo 13
CHN vs. CAN - Han Yuqing

#14 GRE 11 vs. RUS 9

(4-5, 2-2, 4-0, 1-2)

Referees: Cristina Taccini, Daniel Flahive

Teams:

RUSSIA: Maria Kovtunovskaia, Nadezhda Fedotova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva, Sofya Konukh (captain), Alexandra Antonova, Olga Belova, Ekaterina Lisunova, Marina Kalyagina, Ekaterina Tankeeva, Olga Beliaeva, Evgeniya Ivanova, Diana Antonova, Ksenia Krimer. Head coach: Alexander Kabanov.

Russia had a good start when Ekaterina Lisunova fired four goals to take a 5-4 lead over Greece. But in the second quarter, the team lost momentum and suffered a 0-4 in the third quarter. Greece's captain Alexandra Asimaki scored twice and a goal from teammates Christina Tsoukala and Christina Kotsia completed the feat. Russia's successful attempts in the last quarter - Evgeniya Ivanova at 7:33 and Ekaterina Prokofyeva at 4:42 - were not enough to catch the Greeks.

Russia's center player Olga Beliaeva said: "We didn't play very well. Maybe it was because we played too hard yesterday against Australia and we were too tired. We lost focus most of the time. We only played OK in the opener when we led 5-4. We lost too many shots."

Georgios Morfesis, Greece's Head coach, was very pleased with today's result: "I'm very happy with my players. They did a great job in both defence and offence against the Russians. The goalkeeper Eleni Kouvdou blocked many shots from our rivals. I'm happy that my girls made improvement in every game of this high-level competition."

Day 4 Photo 14
GRE vs. RUS - Han Yuqing

#15 USA 14 vs. ITA 2

(5-0, 3-1, 4-0, 2-1)

Referees: Kazuhiko Makita, Meng Anlong

Teams:

ITALY: Federica Eugenia Lavi, Ursula Gitto, Martina Verducci, Giulia Viacava, Alessia Millo, Laura Repetto, Giovanna Pellegrino, Claudia Marletta, Valeria Grazia Palmieri, Carla Carrega, Giusy Citino, Francesca Pomeri (captain), Sara Dario. Head coach: Paolo Zizza.

USA took the lead from the very beginning, imposing a five-goal margin after the first quarter. They scored three more in the second quarter, Italy reacting with one goal by Martina Verducci at 2:42. Verducci was the sole scorer for Italy in this game, netting a second goal at 1:47 in the last quarter. USA's Margaret Steffens was the best scorer of the day with five winning shots.

U.S. Head coach Adam Krikorian said on the victory: "After the game was finished, it was finished. We need to think about our next game against Greece in the semi-finals. Though Greece is a mixed team, it is still a strong team."

Paolo Zizza, Italy's Head coach, said on the loss: "We played better in the defence and attacks. Team USA is the best in the world, it is important to learn from them."

Day 4 Photo 15
USA vs. ITA - Han Yuqing

Changshu, China - June 1 - The U.S. Olympic Women's Water Polo Team remained undefeated at the FINA World League Super Final, as they advanced to the semifinals with a 15-2 defeat of Italy. Maggie Steffens (Danville, CA/Stanford/Diablo) scored five goals in the win while Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/Michigan/NYAC) and Tumua Anae (Newport Beach, CA/USC/SOCAL) combined for 11 saves in net. Team USA will meet Greece on Saturday in the semifinals.

For the second straight match Team USA was largely untested as they jumped out to a 5-0 lead after the first period. They were leading 8-1 at halftime before putting the match away in the third when they again outscored Italy 5-0. In the fourth Team USA outscored the Italians 2-1 on the way to claiming the 15-2 victory. The United States went 3/7 on power plays while Greece went 2/7.

"It was another solid defensive effort," said USA Head Coach Adam Krikorian. "We're looking forward to the semis against a young and talented Greek team."

Scoring

USA 15 (5, 3, 5, 2) M. Steffens 5, A. Dries 2, K. Rulon 2, K. Craig 2, L. Wenger 2, H. Petri 1, C. Mathewson 1

ITA 2 (0, 1, 0, 1)

Saves - USA - T. Anae 9, B. Armstrong 2
6x5 - USA - 3/7 - ITA 2/7
Penalties - USA 0/0 - ITA 0/0

Greg Mescall
Associate Director of Communications
USA Water Polo

#16 GER 0 vs. AUS 18

(0-6, 0-3, 0-5, 0-4)

Referees: Dykman Kikhail, Drury-Pinto Amber Marie

Teams:

AUSTRALIA: Victoria Brown, Gemma Beadswork, Sophie Smith, H. L. Smith, Jane Moran, Bronwen Knox, Rowena Webster, Kate Gynther (captain), Glencora Rippon, Ashleigh Southen, Melissa Rippon, Nicola Zagame. Head coach: Greg McFadden.

Strong favourite Australia showed no mercy to team Germany and turned the game into a shooting practice with non-stop firing. Nicola Zagame and Melissa Rippon both netted three goals while five of their teammates scored two goals each.

Australia's Head coach Greg McFadden sets eyes already on tomorrow's game: "China is a strong team physically. They swim fast, and pass the ball well. It will be a very tough game. Every semi-final game is tough. Our recent games against China were all very close."

For Germany's Head coach, Rene Reimann, the outcome of the game was obvious: "We didn't expect to win. It is not realistic. Australia is as strong physically as USA."

Day 4 Photo 16
AUS vs. GER - Han Yuqing

May 29
May 30
May 31
June 1
June 2
June 3

DAY 5 - 2 June 2012

CHINA, Changshu (June 2) - The United States moved a step closer of winning their seventh World League Super Final title after edging Greece 7-6 in the semi-final of the competition, being organised in Changshu (CHN). The North Americans will play against Australia in the decisive match of the Super Final. The Aussies trailed China for most of the other semi but rallied to beat the hosts 8-7.

Super Final debutant Germany made history by entering the 5th-6th play-off, after they claimed victory from a thrilling penalty shootout 15-13 over Canada.

Zhou Xin, FINA Press Correspondent in China

#17 CAN 13 vs. GER 15 (Penalty shoot out)

(3-1, 1-3, 5-4, 2-3, Penalty Shootout 2-4)

Referees: Meng Anlong; Kazuhiko Makita;

Teams:

CANADA: Serena Bredin, Joannie Morisseau, Katrina Monton, Alexia Tielmann, Stephanie Valin, Sophie Baron, Joelle Bekhazi (captain), Kelly Blair McKee, Rebekka Steenkamer, Monika Eggens, Carmen Eggens, Dominique Perreault, Emma Wright. Head coach: Justin Oliveira.

GERMANY: Bianca Ahrens, Jasmin Krieter, Tatjana Steinhauer, Carolin Seifert, Claudia Blomenkamp, Anja Seyfert, Monika Kruszona, Claudia Kern, Kim Illinger, Jenny Stiefel, Carmen Gelse (captain), Bianca Seyfert, Jana Lueg. Head coach: Rene Reimann.

Though trailing Canada most of the time from 0-2 to 9-11, Germany showed remarkable endurance and patience when Syefert Bianca shot at 22 seconds in the last quarter to tie 11-11 with Canada. In the penalty shootout, Germany was again behind after missing the first attempt but later scored all their last four shhots and won 4-2. Three German girls Tatjana Steinhauer, Claudia Blomenkamp and Monika Kruszona had a triple, while Canadian Sophie Baron was the Best Scorer of the day, firing a total of 6 goals with her teammate Monika Eggens having 4.

Germany's Head coach Rene Reimann, who played for Germany national men's team for 13 years and coached for 8 years, was very satisfied with the victory: "It was a big win for us! We entered the Super Final for the first time, and we reach the 5th-6th play-off for the first time, too. I felt proud of my girls! In fact, we boosted confidence before the game and we always believed we could beat the Canadians. Though we had some problems in the attack and defence, the most important thing was that we didn't give up until the last moment."

Justin Oliveira, Head coach of Canada, said about the outcome of the match: "It was upset that the game was closed in the shootout. My girls fought well overall during the game, we just lacked some luck in the end. It was a physical game."

Day 5 Photo 17
GER vs. CAN - Han Yuqing

#18 RUS 17 vs. ITA 4

(4-2, 5-1, 4-0, 4-1)

Referees: Birakis Michail, Daniel Flahive

Teams:

RUS vs. ITA - Han Yuqing

#19 CHN 7 vs. AUS 8

(2-0, 2-3, 2-3, 1-2)

Referees: Denis Danelon, Emanuel Taylan Taylan

Teams:

CHINA: Yang Jun, Teng Fei, Liu Ping, Sun Yujun, He Jin, Sun Yating, Song Donglun, Gao Ao, Wang Yi, Ma Huanhuan (captain), Sun Huizi, Zhang Lei, Wang Ying. Head coach: Juan Jane Giralt.

AUSTRALIA: Victoria Brown, Gemma Beadswork, Sophie Smith, H. L. Smith, Z Arancini, Bronwen Knox, Rowena Webster, Kate Gynther (captain), Glencora Rippon, Ashleigh Southen, Melissa Rippon, Nicola Zagame, Alicia McCormack. Head coach: Greg McFadden.

The world runner-up China managed a rapid 2-0 within three minutes in the first quarter and 4-0 at 5:42 in the second before Australia fought back thanks to captain Kate Gynther, who fired two goals at 4:2 while Arancini added one more at 3:40 to trail China 3-4 after the first half. Australia only took the lead at 6:39 in the last quarter as H. L Smith scored for a 7-6 advantage. Chinese captain Ma Huanhuan replied with a penalty goal for 7-7 at 6:20. Australian captain showed her killer instinct at 5:00 by shoting an exclusion goal to seal the victory for the Aussies.

Australia's Head Coach Greg McFadden said: "We had played China for many times and every time it was close by just 1 or 2 goals. It was a hard battle. We were not good at the start, so we were 0-4 behind China. But my girls came out in the second half and had a pretty great defence and attack."

Juan Jane Giralt was satisfied with the team: "It was the best game my girls played so far at this Super Final, much, much better than yesterday when we beat Canada, better than any other matches. All of my girls performed their best, especially the goalkeeper Yang Jun. The reason why we did not keep the leading momentum was because the Australians are physically higher and stronger and that we got tired after and intensive counter attack. We just lost to Australia by such a small margin of 1 goal, I'm happy with it."

Day 5 Photo 19
AUS vs. CHN - Han Yuqing/p>

#20 GRE 6 vs. USA 7

(3-2, 2-2, 0-3, 1-0)

Referees: Axel Bender, Dykman Kikhail

Teams:

USA: Elizabeth Armstrong, Heather Petri, Melissa Seidemann, Brenda Villa (captain), Lauren Wenger, Margaret Steffens, Courtney Mathewson, Jessica Steffens, Elsie Windes, Kelly Rulon, Annika Dries, Kameryn Craig, Tumuaialii Anae. Head coach: Adam Krikorian.

Greece took an early advantage of 5-2 until 5:33 in the second quarter when K Craig shot for USA at 1:57 and C Mathewson added on at 38 seconds to trace 4-5. Mathewson helped the USA to tie with 5-5 at 5:07 in the third quarter and captain B Villa and M Seidemann earned 2 goals more at 4:10 and 2:30, respectively. Maria Ilektra's goal for Greece at 1:52 was not good enough to help the Hellenic squad into the final.

Adam Krikorian, USA's Head coach, said: "I'm disappointed with the game. Our players should not under-estimate Greece. They were too relaxed in the first half. We need to be more careful and cautious in tomorrow's final against Australia."

Greece's Head coach Georgios Morfesis said: "We had a close game. I'm happy and proud of my girls. It was too exhausting since we were playing with the best team in the world."

Day 5 Photo 20
USA vs. GRE - Han Yuqing

Changshu, China - June 2 - The U.S. Olympic Women's Water Polo Team continued their winning streak at the FINA World League Super Final as they edged Greece 7-6 in the semifinal round. The victory sends Team USA to the Gold Medal game where they will take on Australia on Sunday. Courtney Mathewson (Anaheim Hills, CA/UCLA/NYAC) and Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, CA/USC/Santa Barbara WPF) each scored two goals in the win while Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/Michigan/NYAC) posted seven saves in net.

The two squads were evenly matched throughout with Greece taking a 3-2 lead after the first period and holding a 5-4 lead at halftime. The third quarter proved the difference for the United States as they outscored Greece 3-0 to take a 7-5 lead going to the final period. In the fourth neither team could get it going offensively with Greece mustering just one score to close within 7-6. They would get no closer as the United States came away with the win.

"Greece made us earn this win," said USA Head Coach Adam Krikorian. "We showed great composure in the second half."

Team USA earned the win despite struggling on power plays going 0/6 while Greece was 1/3. Neither team attempted a penalty shot. The match against Australia in the final will be a rematch of the championship game from the VISA Water Polo International last month in London, England, a match won by the Aussies.

Scoring

USA 7 (2, 2, 3, 0) C. Mathewson 2, K. Craig 2, A. Dries 1, B. Villa 1, M. Seidemann 1

GRE 6 ( 3, 2, 0, 1)

Saves - USA - B. Armstrong 7
6x5 - USA - 0/6 - GRE 1/3
Penalties - USA - 0/0 - GRE 0/0

Greg Mescall
Associate Director of Communications
USA Water Polo

May 29
May 30
May 31
June 1
June 2
June 3

DAY 6 - 3 June 2012

CHINA, Changshu (June 3) - Defending champions, the United States, rallied to beat Australia 6-4 to win their seventh title at the FINA Women's Water Polo World League Super Final here on Sunday while Greece edged the hosts China 8-7 for the bronze medal.

Zhou Xin, FINA Press Correspondent in China

#21 CAN 12 vs. ITA 8 (7th place)

(2-2, 5-2, 3-2, 2-2)

Referees: Dreval Svetlana, Meng Anlong

Teams:

Day 6 Photo 21
CAN vs. ITA - Han Yuqing

#22 GER 4 vs. RUS 18 (5th place)

Referees: Drury-Pinto Amerber Marie, Dykman Mikhail

Teams:

RUSSIA: Maria Kovtunovskaia, Nadezhda Fedotova, Ekaterina Prokofyeva, Sofya Konukh (captain), Alexandra Antonova, Olga Belova, Ekaterina Lisunova, Marina Kalyagina, Ekaterina Tankeeva, Olga Beliaeva, Evgeniya Ivanova, Diana Antonova, Ksenia Krimer. Head coach: Alexander Kabanov.

As the first-time attendants at the Super Final, Germany had an ideal start 3-5 behind Russia in the first half, just a two-goal difference. But Russia quickly recovered scoring 7 goals from F Fedotova, O Belova and E Tankeeva's double plus E Lisunova's shot in the third quarter while blocking Germany's every attempt. Germany fought until 0:01 when C Blomenkamp scored their fourth shot while A Anotonova made a triple and three other Russians contributed one each in the last quarter. A Anotonova was the Best Scorer of the day as she fired another triple in the second period for a total of six.

Russia's Head Coach Alexander Kabanov said: "Our attack and defence only started to work in the second half, we were too slow in the beginning."

Germany's team manager Heike Kohnen-Khalil said: "We tried to play as fast as possible in the first two periods. But later we lost our minds and didn't know clearly what we needed to do next. We tried to defend the ball but Russia was too fast. It was a hard game, especially after the hard battle over Canada yesterday. We are very happy that our federation let us to play this Super Final, thus gaining a better knowledge of the other water polo teams."

Day 6 Photo 22
GER vs. RUS - Han Yuqing

#23 CHN 7 vs. GRE 8 (3rd place)

(1-2, 4-2, 1-2, 1-2)

Referees: Cristina Taccini, Daniel Flahive

Teams:

CHINA: Yang Jun, Teng Fei, Liu Ping, Sun Yujun, He Jin, Sun Yating, Song Donglun, Gao Ao, Wang Yi, Ma Huanhuan (captain), Sun Huizi, Zhang Lei, Wang Ying. Head coach: Juan Jane Giralt.

GREECE: Kouvdou Eleni, Tsoukala Christina, Kotsia Christina, Psouni Ilektra Maria, Charalampidi Stefania, Alkisti Avramidou, Alexandra Asimaki (captain), Charalampidi Ioanna, Plevritou Eleftheria, Triantaf Manolioudaki, Plevritou Margarita, Koutogianni Stamatina, Diamantopoulou Chrysoula. Head coach: Georgios Morfesis.

World champions Greece, who underwent reshuffle after last year's worlds, came from behind in the first half to nail down world championship runners-up China 8-7. A Alkisti's score at 6:05 and T Christina's vital exclusion goal at 3:28 in the fourth quarter helped Greece to stand on the third place. China just repeated the same feat when they lost to Australia in the semi-finals on June 2.

"It was an unexpected medal. My players are young and inexperienced, but they've made improvement at every game of this Super Final. We played a clever game as we quickly reacted when China had some changes in the defence in the second quarter. I'm proud of my team," said Greece Head Coach Georgios Morfesis.

China's Head Coach Juan Jane was unhappy with this outcome: "We played a good start, but our defence had problems in the second half. I'm not happy with that at all."

Day 6 Photo 23
CHN vs. GRE - Han Yuing

#24 AUS 4 vs. USA 6 (1st place)

(1-2, 3-1, 0-1, 0-2

Referees: Emanuel Taylan, Axel Bender

Teams:

USA: Elizabeth Armstrong, Heather Petri, Melissa Seidemann, Brenda Villa (captain), Lauren Wenger, Margaret Steffens, Courtney Mathewson, Jessica Steffens, Elsie Windes, Kelly Rulon, Annika Dries, Kameryn Craig, Tumuaialii Anae. Head coach: Adam Krikorian.

In a well-balanced defensive and offensive final, both USA and Australia showed superb individual skill and teamwork. Australia led 4-3 in the first half, but USA blocked every attempt from the Aussies during the second half and netted 3 times. USA captain Brenda Villa shot an exclusion goal at 1:05 in the third quarter, Annika Dries added one for a 5-4 lead while Margaret Steffens sealed the victory 6-4 at 1:33 in the last quarter. Australian B Knox opened the gate at 5:41 in the first quarter and G Ralph, G Beadsworth and S Smith fired in the second at 2:28, 0:45, 0:01, respectively.

"We played a great second half, especially in the fourth quarter by scoring two goals, which made the difference of the game. I should say this trophy is a good start for the London Olympics. But we understand that this means nothing when we go to the Olympic Games because all teams come from zero," said Adam Krikorian, head coach of USA.

Australian head coach Greg McFadden said of the loss: "It was a pretty physical and hard game, We had a good start, but we have to settle for the margin of 2 goals. Congratulations to USA. And congratulations to my team. I hope we have better luck at the London Olympic Games."

Day 6 Photo 24
USA vs. AUS - Han Yuqing

Changshu, China - June 3 - The U.S. Olympic Women's Water Polo Team won their fourth straight FINA World League Super Final Gold Medal with a 6-4 defeat of Australia in Changshu, China. Maggie Steffens (Danville, CA/Stanford/Diablo) and Annika Dries (Laguna Beach, CA/Stanford/SET) scored two goals each in the victory while Betsey Armstrong (Ann Arbor, MI/Michigan/NYAC) did the job in net stopping 15 shots.

The two rivals were close early on with Team USA grabbing a 2-1 lead after the first period. In the second, Australia battled back, outscoring the United States 3-1, to take a 4-3 lead at halftime. The United States dominated the second half, especially on the defensive end, where they held Australia without a goal over the final two periods. Team USA added a goal in the third period to tie the match at 4-4 and then in the fourth, tacked on two more scores to take the game, 6-4.

Other scorers for the red, white, and blue included Brenda Villa (Commerce, CA/Stanford/Olympic Club) and Kami Craig (Santa Barbara, CA/USC/Santa Barbara WPF) who each scored once. Team USA went 1/4 on power plays while Australia went 1/10, neither team attempted a penalty shot.

"Similar to yesterday we played a great second half," said USA Head Coach Adam Krikorian. "Defensively we played very well all tournament, but we certainly understand that this means nothing when we get to the Olympic Games."

Notes: Next up for Team USA will be a four game exhibition series with Hungary in California. The series starts on July 2 at Stanford University and will wrap on July 8 at Corona del Mar High School in a nationally televised game on NBC Sports Network. The teams will also play on July 4 at the USA Water Polo National Training Center in Los Alamitos, CA and at a location to be determined on July 6. Fans have an opportunity to meet the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women's Water Polo Team this Sunday, June 10, at the Athleta store on Fashion Island in Orange County, CA from 4pm-6pm.

Scoring

USA 6 (2, 1, 1, 2) M. Steffens 2, A. Dries 2, B. Villa 1, K. Craig 1

AUS 4 (1, 3, 0, 0)

Saves - USA - B. Armstrong - 15
6x5 - USA - 1/4 - AUS 1/10
Penalties - USA - 0/0 - AUS - 0/0

US Women Win Super League