HUNTINGTON BEACH, California, November 12. THE United States of America, the reigning World Champions of Women's Water Polo will welcome five of the top ten ranked nations to Newport Beach, California this December for the 10th Holiday Cup. Silver and Bronze Medalist of the 2009 World Championships Canada and Russia will join defending Olympic Gold Medalist the Netherlands, 2004 Olympic Gold Medalist Italy, and 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist Australia in competition. Set for December 9-13, Corona del Mar High School will play host to the most anticipated women's water polo event since the final buzzer sounded this past August in Rome, Italy.
A rematch of the protested Gold Medal match between the United States and Canada highlights five days of water polo action that will see the best in the world mix it up. Three matches per day begin on Wednesday, December 9 with an international skills competition serving as a tourney appetizer on the evening of Tuesday, December 8.
The Holiday Cup has historically been an event dominated by the host United States, however it was Italy claiming the crown during the events last run in 2007. Prior to the 2007 it was six consecutive titles for Team USA in an event that has evolved from a four team showdown hosted in summer months to six teams squaring off in December.
Saturday, December 12 will see three games of competition followed by a fundraising dinner at the Hyatt Regency-Newport Beach featuring guest speaker Lisa Leslie. Leslie, a four time Olympian, three-time WNBA MVP, and two-time WNBA Champion just recently completed a stellar basketball career retiring this past fall from the Los Angeles Sparks.
For more information including Holiday Cup schedules and results please visit www.usawaterpolo.org. For media interested in attending the Holiday Cup or contacting participating athletes and coaches please contact Greg Mescall at (714) 500-5455 or gmescall@usawaterpolo.org
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