Ericka Lorenz started the third quarter with a bang as she sailed in her second shot of the game to give the U.S. a two goal advantage. Kami Craig broke free at the 2M to deliver a 55.8 km/h shot straight from the center position. Brenda Villa joined in on the action off the counter attack to execute her first goal of the day, only to have Kubkova of Kazakhstan quickly return the goal on their man-up. Two minutes later, Villa rocked her second goal of the day into the right corner from seven meters. At the end of the third, USA pulled ahead of Kazakhstan 9-4.
Team USA stayed focused on the job at hand in the final quarter to deliver four more pounding shots into the Kazakhstan goal. Kazakhstan's team captain, Assel Jakayeva came out early with a goal at 7:11 only to have Cardenas pick up the 2M scraps at 6:56 and dump in her second goal of the day to bring the U.S. back to a five goal advantage. The Stars and Stripes continued to shine with Brittany Hayes, Moriah van Norman and Brenda Villa delivering three more goals to finish the game 13-5.
GUY BAKER, USA Women's Senior National Team Head Coach: "We played a terrible first quarter, but we improved in the second half. It is still early in the competition and we're where we need to be."
About USA Water Polo: USA Water Polo, Inc. is a non-profit corporation organized for the purpose to serve as the national governing body for the sport of water polo in the United States under the auspices of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). For more information please visit www.usawaterpolo.com.
