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ROME, Italy, July 31. THE United States completed the marathon women's water polo tournament on top at the FINA World Championships.
The U.S. topped its northern neighbors, Canada, 7-6, in the gold medal match completing the women's draw. Kelly Rulon led a balanced attack for the U.S. with two goals, as the squad went 7-for-29 from the field. Emily Csikos almost single-handedly downed the U.S., but her four goals were not enough to lead Canada to victory. Canada finished 6-for-31 on the day.
Russia clipped Greece, 10-9, to win the bronze medal. Ekaterina Prokofyeva posted a hat trick to pace Russia, which went 10-for-28 from the field. Alexandra Asimaki and Angeliki Gerolimou each tallied a hat trick for Greece, which converted on 9 of 20 shots.
The Netherlands edged Australia, 12-11, in the 5th-6th place contest. Mieke Cabout tallied four goals, while Iefke van Belkum notched a hat trick for The Netherlands, which connected on 12 of 33 shots. Bronwen Knox went 4-for-4 to lead Australia, which scored on 11 of 25 shots.
In the 7th-8th place matchup, Hungary downed Spain, 11-6. Rita Dravucz topped all scorers with four goals for Hungary, which converted 11 of 19 shots for a 57.9 percent success rate. Jennifer Pareja led Spain with two goals as the team went 6-for-26.