Olympic Water Polo Results: United States Women Defeat China 7-6

The outcome between the United States and China would not make a difference in the seedings for the quarterfinal match, but neither team acted like the result did not matter. Team USA did win, but this was not an easy won. For starters there was an 11-minute scoreless stretch by the United States. Maggie Steffens picked up her scoring pace once again by scoring three goals to help the United States in the win.

Even though China finished 0-3 and finished last in their group they were a tough opponent as they were second in the 2011 World Championships and finished fourth in the FINA World League in 2012.

Team USA head coach Adam Krikorian felt that the team played better as the game went on:

"You never know when you're going to be a little cold offensively and that's why we always talk about our defense and making sure our defense is playing consistently," Krikorian said. "You want to be able to survive those quarters or moments, the times in the game when you go cold offensively, and luckily our defense was the key today.

"I thought we were much better today, and we just keep getting better, which is obviously a good sign for us moving forward."

The United States trailed China 3-1 in the second period, but Team USA held the Chinese scoreless for 14 minutes while scoring five straight goals to go back up 6-3. The United States would not give up that lead the rest of the way before winning 7-6.

Next up for the United States is 2012 European champion Italy who finished third in their group.

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