Russia tops USA on day three of FINA World League Super Final

KIRISHI, RUSSIA - The USA Women's Senior National Team suffered their first setback of the FINA World League Super Final falling to Russia 13-12. Lauren Wenger tallied three goals in the loss while Betsey Armstrong stopped 8 shots. Regardless of the loss Team USA still took first place in their bracket and advances to play Greece tomorrow.

As for this match, the two squads were pretty evenly matched throughout, and after the first quarter were tied 5-5. In the first the United States received goals from Kami Craig and Elsie Windes on player advantages, a counter attack goal from Lauren Silver, and other scores from Brittany Hayes and Wenger.

In the second quarter Russia would take a lead as only Annika Dries scored for Team USA resulting in a two goal deficit at halftime, 8-6. In the third the United States stepped up their defense holding Russia to just one goal while posting three of their own. Craig, Jessica Steffens, and Alison Gregorka all scored on player advantages for Team USA to tie the game back up at 9-9.

The fourth quarter saw more see-saw action with the two teams trading goals. The USA received two goals from Wenger and another from Hayes, but it was not enough as Russia would tally four goals and pull away for the victory at 13-12. Team USA was very effective in the 6x5 game going 7/12 while Russia was also better than 50% at 5/9.

Flash Quote: "We lost to a very good and inspired Russia team today. We still advance 1st in our bracket to play Greece tomorrow. At these early stages in our preparation for World Championships, we must learn from this game."  Adam Krikorian, Head Coach - Team USA

Scoring:

USA 12 (5, 1, 3, 3) L. Wenger 3, K. Craig 2, B. Hayes 2, A. Dries 1, J. Steffens 1, A. Gregorka 1, L. Silver 1, E. Windes 1
RUS 13 (5, 3, 1, 4)

Saves - USA - B. Armstrong 8

6x5 - USA - 7/12 - RUS 5/9
Penalties - USA - 0/0 - RUS 1/1