Barquisimeto, Venezuela–In June, the U.S. women’s national water polo team flexed its North American muscle, defeating Canada in the championship game of the Holiday Cup in Los Alamitos, Calif. Today, the Junior National Team added to the bragging list, defeating the Canadians, 10-5 in the Gold Medal game of the Pan American Games in Venezuela.
Julie Gardner’s three goals paced the U.S., who went undefeated for the duration of the tournament. Ashley Stachowski and Adele McCarthy both scored two goals apiece, while teammates Holly Hartzell, Mo Flanagan, and Thalia Munroe each contributing one.
Betsy Armstrong and Alex Lopez split time in the cage for the U.S., picking up five saves each. Flanagan also added four assists and Stachowski picked up three steals.
Rebecka Webb and Tonya Paaradis each scored two goals in the loss for Canada.