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Malone & Hendrix Close Out Last Day of NCAA East First Rounds

Story Links JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In the final day of the NCAA East First Rounds, High Point University women’s track and field team had two athletes compete in the quarterfinals in their respective events. Brianna Malone raced in the women’s 1500m, and Alyssa Hendrix ran in the women’s 3000m steeplechase.   […]

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – In the final day of the NCAA East First Rounds, High Point University women’s track and field team had two athletes compete in the quarterfinals in their respective events. Brianna Malone raced in the women’s 1500m, and Alyssa Hendrix ran in the women’s 3000m steeplechase.
 
Malone qualified for the quarterfinals after placing top 20 in the first rounds on Thursday afternoon. She went out in the second heat of the 1500m and stayed on pace with the top runners, helping her shatter the program and Big South records with a 4:11.37 time. Her new record time placed her in 14th overall to close out her first NCAA East First Round appearance.
 
Hendrix competed in the 3000m steeplechase immediately following Malone’s 1500m in the first heat. She recorded a 10:21.20 time and placed 26th out of 48 competitors to close out her final season of college.  
 
UP NEXT:
The three NCAA Championship qualifiers – Sydney Horn, Ricardo Montes de Oca and Cole Wilson – will train over the next week to prepare for their trip to Eugene, Oregon. Nationals will begin on June 11 at Hayward Field.
 

#GoHPU x #DefendTheTeam



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Favourites triumph to reach last eight of Men’s U16 European Water Polo Championships

Türkiye goalkeeper Ayhan Burak Aydemir came up with several saves to beat the Netherlands. Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics All the favourites – Montenegro, Croatia, Hungary and Türkiye – won their crossovers on Thursday to advance to the quarter-finals of the men’s Elite U16 European Water Polo Championships in Istanbul. Meanwhile, in Ljubljana at the Division […]

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Türkiye goalkeeper Ayhan Burak Aydemir came up with several saves to beat the Netherlands. Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics

All the favourites – Montenegro, Croatia, Hungary and Türkiye – won their crossovers on Thursday to advance to the quarter-finals of the men’s Elite U16 European Water Polo Championships in Istanbul. Meanwhile, in Ljubljana at the Division One tournament, Bulgaria and Bosnia & Herzegovina made it four wins from four to stay top of their respective groups.

Men’s U16 European Water Polo Championships
Crossovers Elite Division

Istanbul, Türkiye
Thursday 10 July 2025

Croatia 17-11 Germany
Montenegro 13-7 Romania
Hungary 14-4 Georgia
Türkiye 15-12 Netherlands

Day 4 Division One
Group Stage – Ljubljana, Slovenia
Thursday 10 July 2025

Group A

Cyprus 15-10 Slovakia
Bulgaria 14-10 Portugal
Slovenia 11-14 France

Standings: 1. Bulgaria 12pts, 2. France 9pts, 3. Slovenia 6pts, 3. Cyprus 6pts, 5. Slovakia 3pts, 6. Portugal 0pts

Group B

Lithuania 6-14 Bosnia & Herzegovina
Czechia 12-6 Latvia
Switzerland 11-11 (8-9P) Ukraine

Standings: 1. Bosnia & Herzegovina 12pts, 2. Ukraine 11pts, 3. Switzerland 7pts, 4. Lithuania 3pts, 4. Czechia 3pts, 6. Latvia 0pts

Hungary eased past Georgia to reach the quarter-finals. Photo: Nikola Krstic/European Aquatics

Croatia were the first team to land in the best eight in Istanbul after a convincing win over Germany in the crossovers. The highest-ranked teams from the lower divisions challenged the third and fourth-placed sides from Group A and B on Thursday, and Croatia had the chance to find a way out of the misery they went through in the group stage.

They found it, and did it with ease, as they produced two splendid quarters right away, winning each 5-2 to lead 10-4 at half-time, which was a great response from the players.

The Germans couldn’t withstand the pressure, and even though the second half was more balanced, the Croatians’ first win of the Championships was never in danger. This sets up an epic quarter-final battle on Friday between the Croats and Serbians.

Next came Montenegro and after a tight opening period, they came up with a 4-0 blast in the second to go 7-2 up by half-time. They added four more in the third to sail away with a convincing victory – and now they face Spain in the quarters.

The Hungarians overcame some early headaches as they had to equalise twice against Georgia, and missed a penalty. After an early exchange of man-up goals for 3-3, the Magyars staged a 4-0 run before the middle break, though their penalty conversion was sluggish at best (put away two, missed another one).

Georgia were 7-3 behind at half-time and had already lost two players with three major fouls, which didn’t promise much for the second half.

They did manage to score one solitary goal in the last two periods, but they were well beaten by Hungary, who will look to improve on their poor penalty conversion rate (4/9) when they face Greece on Friday.

In the fourth match, Türkiye secured their first win of the tournament with a hard-fought victory against the Netherlands. Efe Ike (seven goals) and captain Eymen Altay (four goals) were unstoppable as they helped steer their side to the last eight.

After winning each of the first three quarters, the hosts were 11-6 up and two unanswered goals early in the fourth took them out of sight. They’ll now face Italy on Friday.

France celebrated beating the hosts Slovenia in Ljubljana. Photo: European Aquatics

In the Division One tournament, Ukraine dropped their first points of the Championships, as Switzerland sensationally scored three late goals to force a penalty shootout.

The Ukrainians looked on course for their fourth successive victory as they scored three without reply in the last period to lead 8-11.

With 3:35 remaining, Switzerland’s captain Rohan Negro hammered in a shot from distance to cut the gap to two, but the game still looked lost, especially when they missed a six-on-five chance shortly after.

However, in the last 42 seconds, Negro added a stunning double, one from extra and another from 6m to level the scores.

The penalties were flawless for the first eight rounds, then Ukraine’s Danylo Benyakh saw his effort saved to hand the Swiss the chance to win it. Gian Kluser swam up to take it, but his shot was also blocked. Ukraine had been handed a reprieve and buried their next two to seal the two points after Felix Fluckiger’s penalty was beaten away.

Also in Group B, Czechia stormed past Latvia 12-6, and Bosnia & Herzegovina soared to the top of the table after downing Lithuania 6-14, with Zarije Miladinovic firing in six times, including three penalties.

In Group A, France produced moments of brilliance in the middle two quarters to down the hosts Slovenia. A quick-fire Luka Vujanovic hat-trick in the first quarter helped guide Slovenia to a 5-4 lead, but France defended superbly for the next 15 minutes and completely shut their opponents out.

In the meantime, the French hit five at the other end to put them 5-9 ahead. Slovenia finally ended their drought through Vuk Petrovic, but the momentum was still with the French, who added three more before the last break to lead 7-12.

The Slovenians won the last quarter 4-2, but they were never able to get any closer than three.

Elsewhere in Group A, Cyprus dominated the third quarter 6-2 against Slovakia to put them on the road to victory, and Bulgaria came from behind to beat Portugal and maintain their perfect start to the Championships.

Watch all the action live from Istanbul and Ljubljana for free on the European Aquatics TV channel, which can be found by clicking here.

For the full results/tables and schedule from Istanbul, click here.

For the full results/tables and schedule from Ljubljana, click here.

Gergely Csurka for European Aquatics

 



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Lee Elia, former Phillies and Cubs manager known for epic rant, dies at 87

Lee Elia, known for managing the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies during his decades-long career in MLB (and for an infamous, expletive-filled postgame rant), has died. He was 87. The Phillies announced that Elia died on Tuesday less than one week shy of his 88th birthday on July 16. “The Phillies mourn the loss of […]

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Lee Elia, former Phillies and Cubs manager known for epic rant, dies at 87


Lee Elia, known for managing the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies during his decades-long career in MLB (and for an infamous, expletive-filled postgame rant), has died. He was 87.

The Phillies announced that Elia died on Tuesday less than one week shy of his 88th birthday on July 16.

“The Phillies mourn the loss of Lee Elia, who managed the club from 1987-88,” the team said in a social media post on Wednesday. “Elia was a valued contributor to the Phillies for much of his half century in professional baseball. The third base coach for the 1980 World Series championship team, he also spent time in the organization as a minor league player, manager, scout and director of instruction.”

Born in Philadelphia in 1937, Elia graduated from Olney High School and attended the University of Delaware before signing with the Phillies in 1958. He played in the minor leagues for several years and subsequently signed with the Chicago White Sox. He was called up to the majors in 1966.

He also had a brief stint with the Chicago Cubs in 1968. He appeared in 95 total MLB games and had a .203 batting average.

Elia transitioned to coaching after landing a third base position with the Phillies in 1980. The squad went on to win the 1980 World Series over the Kansas City Royals.

“I never really entertained thoughts about managing the Phillies. I just kept saying, ‘Geez, it would be great if one day I could be a coach for the Phillies,’ ” Elia once recalled. “That became a reality in ’80 and not only was I a coach, but I was a third base coach on a world championship ball club. And that to me was the ultimate.”

Lee Elia talks to the Atlanta Braves coaches prior to a workout at Champion Stadium on Feb 16, 2014.

In 1982, Elia was hired as the manager of the Cubs. He lead the team to a 73-89 record that season. The Cubs didn’t fare much better in Elia’s second season. He was dismissed with the team sporting a 54-69 record.

Before then, though, Elia memorably delivered an infamous, expletive-laced rant mostly directed toward Chicago fans for heckling and booing the home team following a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 29, 1983.

Elia was hired to take over as manager for the Phillies in 1987 after the team got off to a 29–32 start under John Felske. Elia led the Phillies to a 51-50 mark, the team finishing the season with an 80–82 record. He retained the manger position for the 1988 season but was fired late in the year as the Phillies finished a disappointing 65–96.

He held various other coaching jobs for the New York Yankees (1989), Seattle Mariners (1993–1997; 2001–2002; 2008), Toronto Blue Jays (2000), Tampa Bay Devil Rays (2003–2005) and Baltimore Orioles (2006).

Elia was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

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New Softball Coach Kendall Fearn Adds First Assistant, Tyler Heil

LONG BEACH, Calif. – Long Beach State Softball Head Coach Kendall Fearn has selected the first member of her coaching staff, hiring Tyler Heil.   “I am incredibly excited to welcome Tyler Heil to Long Beach State as our new assistant coach,” said Fearn. “He is someone of high character and is respected nationwide by […]

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LONG BEACH, Calif. – Long Beach State Softball Head Coach Kendall Fearn has selected the first member of her coaching staff, hiring Tyler Heil.
 
“I am incredibly excited to welcome Tyler Heil to Long Beach State as our new assistant coach,” said Fearn. “He is someone of high character and is respected nationwide by the coaching community. Over the years, it has been wonderful to get to know him professionally, as he brings a wealth of experience, including head coaching experience and a proven track record of elevating every program he’s been a part of.
 
“His impact has been felt at every stop, helping lead teams to NCAA Tournament and Super Regional appearances through his masterful defensive development and dynamic offensive strategy. Tyler is recognized as a driven and effective recruiter who knows how to build authentic relationships with student-athletes and help them thrive on and off the field. His work ethic, knowledge of the game, and values-based coaching philosophy will make an immediate and lasting impact at Long Beach State.”
 
Heil comes to the Beach from Santa Barbara City College, where he led the Vaqueros last season as the program’s head coach. Posting an 8-6 conference record, SBCC hit .322 as a team and had 29 doubles and six home runs on the year. That served as a return to SBCC for Heil, who got his start in coaching with the program in 2014, coaching with both the baseball and softball programs during his first stint in Santa Barbara, ending in 2017.
 
He then transitioned into Division I softball coaching for four years at New Mexico as an assistant coach. Responsible for the team’s hitting and infield development, the Lobos had seven All-Mountain West selections, and he worked with the program’s career doubles and career home runs leaders during his time in Albuquerque.
 
Taking a promotion in 2021, Heil then moved to Central Florida, where he was the lead assistant during a very successful run for the Knights. In 2022, his first season with UCF, the Knights went 49-14 and finished the year No. 14 in the nation as part of the NFCA’s Mideast Region Coaching Staff of the year. He helped UCF make back-to-back regional appearances in 2022 and 2023, as well as a Super Regional appearance in 2022. While with UCF, Heil was in charge of their recruiting efforts and secured two Top 25 ranked recruiting classes while in Orlando. Working with the team’s hitters and infielders, Heil mentored two top award winners in the American Athletic Conference in 2022, the Freshman of the Year and the Defensive Player of the Year.
 
“I am incredibly grateful and honored to join Beach Softball,” said Heil. “From the moment I spoke to Coach Fearn, it was clear that our values align in all the right ways. I’m excited to contribute to a culture that is both competitive and transformational, where we pursue championships while also developing well-rounded women prepared for life beyond the game. Doing this in Southern California, where I can blend family and high-level softball, makes it even more special. I’m proud to represent Long Beach and can’t wait to get started.”
 



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Chris Van Vuuren – Men’s Volleyball

2015 (Senior): Appeared in 16 matches and 43 sets primarily as a serving specialist … Had a career-high two aces in a 3-0 win over Harvard on March 13 … Added a career-best three kills and four digs against the Crimson … Also served up an ace at UCLA (March 6), vs. Pepperdine (March 26), […]

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2015 (Senior): Appeared in 16 matches and 43 sets primarily as a serving specialist … Had a career-high two aces in a 3-0 win over Harvard on March 13 … Added a career-best three kills and four digs against the Crimson … Also served up an ace at UCLA (March 6), vs. Pepperdine (March 26), at UC San Diego (April 4) and vs. CSUN (April 18) … Earned his first career start against the Matadors.

2014 (Junior): Played in five matches and 17 sets … Registered two digs at Stanford on Jan. 31 … Had one ace at Pacific (Feb. 1).

2013: Redshirted.

Orange Coast College: Led Orange Coast College to a conference title and an appearance in the state finals as a sophomore … Named to the California Community College Athletic Association All-Tournament Team … Also earned first-team All-Pacific Coast Athletic Conference honors … Tied for the team lead with 30 service aces, while ranking second with 188 kills … Helped the Pirates reach the state semifinals as a freshman.

High School: Lettered at Fountain Valley High School … Received second-team All-Sunset League honors as a senior.

Quick Facts: Played for Balboa Bay Volleyball Club.

Major: Psychology

 



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A&M–Texarkana Athletics Welcomes New Sports and Coaching Talent at Campus Press Conference

Director of Athletics Ryan Wall The Texas A&M University–Texarkana Athletic Department officially introduced its newest sports programs and head coaches during a press conference held Thursday, July 10, inside the Patterson Student Center on the A&M–Texarkana campus. University President Dr. Ross Alexander and Director of Athletics Ryan Wall addressed attendees, celebrating the continued growth and […]

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Director of Athletics Ryan Wall
Director of Athletics Ryan Wall

The Texas A&M University–Texarkana Athletic Department officially introduced its newest sports programs and head coaches during a press conference held Thursday, July 10, inside the Patterson Student Center on the A&M–Texarkana campus.

University President Dr. Ross Alexander and Director of Athletics Ryan Wall addressed attendees, celebrating the continued growth and success of Eagle Athletics. The event also welcomed several coaches who are new to the department or recently promoted, showcasing the depth of leadership driving the university’s athletic momentum.

Beginning in Fall 2025, the university will expand its competitive offerings with the addition of men’s and women’s bowling, golf, and indoor/outdoor track & field. The following head coaches were introduced:

 Men’s and Women’s Bowling: Michael Flanagan
 Men’s and Women’s Golf: Ryan Huntze
 Men’s and Women’s Cross Country/Track & Field: David Lawrence Jr.
 Men’s and Women’s Tennis: Brian Nelson
 Women’s Basketball: Deacon Jones
 Baseball: Chase Brewster
 Men’s Basketball: Darion Brown
 Cheer/Dance: Michael Flanagan
 Esports: Rick Allen
 Men’s and Women’s Soccer: Don Koontz
 Softball: Tony McKnight
 Volleyball/Beach Volleyball: Madeleine Halford

Other key department members include Assistant Athletic Director Fachaitte Kinslow, Athletic Trainer Erica Erwin, and Assistant Director of Sports Information Camry Dillie. All coaches were available for media interviews following the formal announcements.

With 21 sports now under its umbrella, A&M–Texarkana continues to cement its place within the NAIA’s Red River Athletic Conference as a growing hub for collegiate athletics. The press conference underscored the university’s commitment to expanding opportunities for student-athletes and strengthening the Eagle community.

For more information about Eagle Athletics, contact Camry Dillie at cdillie@tamut.edu or visit www.tamut.edu.

 



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Day-one women’s water polo preliminary round

Preliminary Round Group Match Reports Match 5, Group C, JAPAN 25 CROATIA 12 (7-3, 4-3, 11-5, 3-1) Japan made sure of victory with a solid first quarter that was needed to withstand the Croatian onslaught in the second quarter. It was 2-2 two and a half minutes into the first quarter and looking like a […]

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Preliminary Round Group Match Reports

Match 5, Group C, JAPAN 25 CROATIA 12 (7-3, 4-3, 11-5, 3-1)

Japan made sure of victory with a solid first quarter that was needed to withstand the Croatian onslaught in the second quarter. It was 2-2 two and a half minutes into the first quarter and looking like a brilliant contest, especially with Croatia debuting at this level. Japan missed Doha last year but was the host in Fukuoka the year before. With the score level, Japan went on counter and buried the next five goals, three on counter and one on a drive while the first of the string came from the top and the safe arm of Yumi Arima. She was to go on and make her stamp on the match. Saya Sekine scored consecutive goals for 7-2 and then Croatian captain Matea Skelin converted an extra play off the right-post position for 7-3 at the turn.

Arima opened the second half with two blasts from the top, well-weighted shots that found pinpoint targets beyond the reach of the goalkeeper. Fuka Nishiyama converted a penalty foul, watched as Nina Medic fired from the top for Croatia and then swam up and scored her third goal for 15-7. Eruna Ura netted her fourth when finishing extra. Kako Kawaguchi scored twice in the closing stages with Arima scoring her sixth as Japan moved out to 22-11. Rozic twice and Skelin kept Croatia in play but it was all about Japan and how many goals it could finish with in the final eight minutes.

Arima and Kobayashi led the charge, but it took time and Croatia called a timeout at 3:06 when 24-11 down and earned a penalty foul. Jelena Butic converted for her second goal. Japan countered with the last goal for 25-12 in a quarter that Croatia would have been happy with, considering no Croatian player has played at this level.

Match Heroes
Arima
was the undoubted star with seven goals in a total team effort. Ura and Nishiyama netted four apiece as 10 Japanese players made the sheet. For Croatia, Rozic grabbed four and Skelin three. The goalkeepers had a grand start to the tournament with Manami Noda pulling down nine saves and Haruka Inaba five for Japan. Croatia’s Latica Medvesek made 10 saves.

Turning Point
Moving from 2-2 to 7-2 and when Croatia came back to 8-6 behind, Japan romped out to 14-6.

Stats Don’t Lie
Japan converted three from four on extra and stopped two from six. Japan scored both penalty attempts and stopped one of three Croatian efforts. On steals, Japan made two to none and on overall shots, Japan went 43-34.

Bottom Line
Japan has been here before and played the Olympic Games. Croatia is just starting its journey.

Match 4, Group D, FRANCE 9 GREAT BRITAIN 12 (4-3, 0-3, 2-5, 3-1)


Image Source: Great Britain/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

Olympic team France felt the wrath of Great Britain after leading 4-3 at quarter time. Great Britain won the match 9-5 from then on for what was something quite historic. France missed the goalkeeping services of Olympian Mia Rycroft while the Brits played up to their expectations brilliantly on the opening day. This was a match where penalty fouls outshot exclusion fouls.

France started quickly with Great Britain responding twice. France regained the lead with successive shots. Harriet Dickens lobbed to equalise at three, however, Ema Vernoux, who was such a revelation at Paris 2024, rightfully put France back in the lead at 0:38. It was looking good for France, but Great Britain turned the tables in the second quarter, keeping its cross-Channel cousins at bay for the entire period. Katie Brown drilled from the deep right; Lily Turner scored from the top left and skipper Kathy Rogers drove in down the left post and slapped in a rebound for 6-4 at 1:32. France had no answer at this stage.

France was not out of it yet and worked tirelessly while denying Great Britain valuable chances. Rogers and Brown doubled the difference early and France slowed the match down, scoring through Erica Hardy. Britain took a timeout at 2:51 and put away the shot, thanks to Brown and at 9-5 the improbable was becoming a strong possibility. On extra, Cutler rifled one in down the right for 10-5 at 0:53. Vernoux powered in a French cannon, sliding the ball to goal for 10-6 and at the other end, Turner converted a penalty foul into 11-6 — three goals inside a half minute. It became the final-break scoreline, gifting Britain a magnificent five-goal buffer.


Image Source: Valentine Heurtaux (FRA)/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

Vernoux and Hardy changed the face of the match with the first two goals of the final period, giving a shaky look to the result. Vernoux shot from penalty and Hardy from the top left. Two minutes after Hardy’s shot, Turner accepted a cross pass to the far left on two metres to score the most important goal for 12-8. France went to a timeout and fumbled the ball in front of goal. Britain called time at 2:12 and hit the crossbar. France fired up to centre forward and gained the penalty at 1:40 with Vernoux scoring her third goal and second from five metres. There was still 1:40 on the clock but neither team could find a way through the defence, allowing Britain to start the fortnight with a big “W”.

Match Heroes
Vernoux
scored four goals for France and Turner and Brown three apiece for Britain. Best goalkeeper was France’s Pasiphae Martineaud Peret with nine saves.


Image Source: Great Britain coach Jo Mountfield/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

Turning Point
From 4-3 down to 8-4 up, Britain worked hard to maintain the difference.

Stats Don’t Lie
France missed the only extra-player chance; scored two to one on penalty; made eight steals to seven, outshot Britain 29-28 and still lost the match!

Bottom Line
France may be the more experienced team but changes since Paris 2024 proved insurmountable. Britain proved it is capable of finishing in the top 10 in Singapore.


Image Source: France v Great Britain/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

What They Said

Lara ANDRES (FRA) — Goal Scorer and Captain

On the team’s performance:
“It was a very close game. It’s a completely new team with a lot of young ones. We lost but I think the two first quarters were good enough but it was a bit difficult as Britain is a good team and not a new one, so they have a lot of experience, unlike us. It was such a difficult game and we lost, so I’m not very happy, but it’s just a game.”

On positives that can be taken away from this match:
“In terms of attacking, we were good and we made very good shots and in defence.”

Match 3, Group B, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA 15 CHINA 7 (3-1, 4-3, 6-1, 2-2)


Image Source: Amanda Longan/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

China, now under the coaching spell of Spanish Olympic champion player and coach Miki Oca, kept USA honest for large periods of the first half. USA may have talked down the experience of his team but his experience and guile led these newcomers to a comfortable victory. Goals were traded at the start with USA missing a penalty chance. Two more penalty strikes gave USA the 3-1 quarter-time advantage. Wang Huan brought China back to 3-2 at the start of the second period and then at 4-3 after Ryann Neushul scored off the left-post position. Wang Xuan took a pass to the left post for 4-4 at 6:02. Then USA put the foot on the pedal and rammed home the next three goals, including a penalty to Emily Ausmus for 7-4 at the long break.

The third period was where USA proved its brilliance, lifting to 10-4 and then finishing 13-5, so three goals, a Chinese extra-player score to Yan Siya and then three more with Emma Lineback collecting her third from deep right on extra. Emily Ausmus earned her star rating with her third goal coming on extra from the left post off a near pass. Shao Yixin finished a polished extra play for 14-6 but Tara Prentice spoilt the Chinese mini-party with a powerful centre-forward turn at 2:49. With the clocking ticking to the one-minute mark and China running out of possession time, Nong Sanfeng put away a long shot from top right into the top left for 15-7. China went to a timeout at 0:27 and goalkeeper Amanda Longan was the thorn in the side. She stopped the shot and kept the ball until the final buzzer for the first victory of its title defence.


Image Source: Emily Ausmus (USA)/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

Match Heroes
Ausmus
and Lineback scored three each for USA but it was goalkeeper Longan who proved best in pool with her magnificent 13 saves. Wang Huan was best for China with two goals.

Turning Point
After that 4-4 scare, USA pulled away to 7-4 at halftime kept the pressure on in the third quarter.

Stats Don’t Lie
USA struggled on extra at one from six, as did China at two from seven. USA sent in four from five on penalties. USA had the better of steals at six to one and outshot China 36-32.


Image Source: Wang Huan (CHN)/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

Bottom Line
USA is the reigning world champion and this proved that even with a new batch of players, it is still a major threat, no matter what the stage. However, with Oca at the helm of China, more can be expected in Singapore.

What They Said

Adam KRIKORIAN (USA) — Head Coach

On his team’s performance:
“It’s a little bit of a shaky start; I think we were a bit nervous. As we settled down, we were much more organised defensively, and much more efficient offensively.”

 

On facing a strong opponent:

“What comes to mind is (China’s) number eight (Wang Huan). She hit a couple of nice shots against us. I think it’s not so much them, but playing the first game is always difficult. There’s the anxiousness and having to kind of deal with that.”

 

On the team’s future goals:

“For the very near future, it’s just to go back and watch the video (playback and) learn. We have such a young group here, that it’s really important we learn as much as we can in each one of these games, and then try to fix those (mistakes). We’re gearing up for the Netherlands (for our) next match — they’re such a talented team, it’s going to be a tough task for us.”

 

On message for fans back home:
“I think we’ve got incredible support in America for the women’s team, and they always inspire us to give a little bit more to make them proud. Hopefully, we made them proud today, and will continue (to do so) through our effort in our attitude.”

 

Isabel WILLIAMS (USA) — Athlete

On USA’s mindset going into this match:
“Mindset is just to play together, play our best, work really hard.”

On how the team stayed focused after the close start:
“We relied on each other; we talked to each other and just remembered what we practised every time.”

Miguel OCA (CHN) — Head Coach

On how he feels about representing China as a coach on the world stage, being from Spain:
“Feels good, feels good. I mean I knew a few months ago but I knew before that I was going to coach this team. It was very challenging and I am very much into it.”

On how he keeps his players motivated:
“Wow, well this is the world championship. If we aren’t motivated now when will you be motivated, you know?”

Tactics that his team employed to face off against strong opponents such as the USA:
“We needed good defence and help from each other with many movements. Because the US has a good centre, good shooters. We need to protect the centre but also the shooters. So, we have to move along and help each other a lot that we have been trying.”

His feelings about his team’s performance:
“Well let’s see, let’s see. This is the first game of the tournament and we will work on growing, game after game.”

WANG Huan (CHN) — Two Goals

On how she feels after the match:
“Good and bad. I feel like we performed quite well, but our performance fell off during the second half. We were feeling a bit tired during the third quarter, so we were slower, but we managed to turn that over in the fourth quarter.  

On whom she’s looking forward to face this year: 
“We’re quite a new team, we changed a lot of members after the Olympics. So, we’re looking forward to facing many teams.” 

Match 2, Group B, ARGENTINA 6 NETHERLANDS 25 (1-6, 2-6, 2-7, 1-6)


Image Source: Nina ten Broek (NED) defends/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

Netherlands came through as expected but what wasn’t expected was the opening goal to Argentina, earning a penalty in the second minute with Julieta Auliel converting. Never mind, the Dutch were in control thereafter with the next six goals, Simone van de Kraats gaining two down the right unattended. Captain Sabrina van der Sloot split the goals from the same position. The Dutch were equally impressive in the second quarter with van de Kraats and van der Sloot picking up extra goals. It became 9-1 before Argentinian captain Maria Canda scored from the top and at 10-3 Isabella Mastronadi converted from the five-metre line. Vivian Sevenich backhanded from two metres and captain van der Sloot also enjoyed a penalty shot for 12-3 before the halftime buzzer.

The second half was much like the first with the Dutch swelling the score to 18-4 with a raft of different scorers. Argentina made the sheet for the fifth time at 18-5 through Anahi Bacigalupo on penalty. Bente Rogge also scored from the line for her second goal in just over a minute. Kitty Joustra opened the fourth period  with a centre-forward sweep shot and turned for her next at 21-5. Lieke Rogge scored a pair and the last two shots were traded for 25-6.


Image Source: Isabella Mastronardi (ARG)/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

Match Heroes
Van de Kraats
, Fleurien Bosveld, Joustra and Lieke Rogge all scored three each for the Dutch. Mastronardi and Canda netted twice for Argentina.

Turning Point
Netherlands overcoming the tentative start and running out to 9-1.

Stats Don’t Lie
Netherlands scored four from six on extra and defended five from six. Both teams shot three from the penalty line while Netherlands grabbed 14 steals to five and shot 38 times to 24.


Image Source: Argentina v Netherlands/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

Bottom Line
Netherlands won this title two years ago in Fukuoka and was the bronze medallist at the Paris Olympic Games last year and also took bronze at this year’s World Cup. Argentina was 16th in 2023.

What They Said

Sabrina Van der SLOOT (NED) — Captain

On what went well for her in this performance
“I think for the first game early in the morning, we did OK. We can improve, but it was OK.”

On how this helps her team mentally for the next match: 
“Well, I think we already knew we had a big chance of winning this game, so we just used it to practise some tactics that we want to use, so in a way, it helps us prepare against the USA.”

On helping rookies and those new to the team:
“We try, every summer when we start preparing the national team to have team meetings, and talk about our values, so that the people who are new to the team can learn and understand the values before the big tournaments.”

Ana AGNESINA (ARG) — Centre Forward

On her team’s performance:
“Actually, I think we could do better. Obviously, they are better than us in many ways. We need to prepare better, and we want to get (at least 20 to 25 points in the next match) but it’s OK.”

On reasons causing the team’s defeat:
“In Argentina, we don’t have (as many preparation opportunities as we would like. We have fewer) trainings and pools, and we don’t have people who want to play water polo (because) nobody knows (about it. So,) it’s difficult to get better.”

On learning takeaways:
“I would say (we played rather aggressively). We need to (work on faster) defence. When we (see) that (the opponent) is about to (make a pass), I (should) swim back to defend (nearby opponents, to prevent the pass from going through). That’s something we need to practise on.”

Match 1, Group D, SOUTH AFRICA 4 SPAIN 23 (1-9, 0-5, 2-4, 1-5)


Image Source: Spanish head coach Jordi Valls/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

Spain made its intentions known early with the first four goals from four shots. It took six minutes before Spain missed a couple as South Africa tightened its defence. However, goals were hard to come by as there were more blocks than misses. The goal that got away from Spain was Georgia Eccles’ lob from top right at 4-1. It was a dry affair for South Africa from there as Spain rattled off the goals to 9-1 at the quarter and 14-1 at halftime. The goals were spread around for Spain with Elena Ruiz the first double scorer.


Image Source: Paula Prats (ESP)/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

South Africa came alight in the third period after a timeout, scoring consecutive goals after Spain went out to 16-1 with two Paula Crespi strikes. Jo Williams had her shot deflected into goal and Boati Motau made sure of an extra-player goal from deep right for 16-3. Paula Camus and Ariadna Ruiz with their second goals gave Spain the 18-3 margin by the final break. Irene Gonzalez enjoyed her first world championship match with a penalty goal for her third to start the fourth period and then again from deep left. With the match coming to its conclusion, Gonzalez netted her fifth from deep left after a Danielo Moreno penalty goal. South African captain Shakira January finished her team’s scoring with as penalty goal five seconds from the final buzzer.

Match Heroes
Gonzalez
with five Spanish goals was the best in pool. Elena Ruiz netted three as four others scored twice. For South Africa it was four different scorers. Both goalkeepers netted nine saves between them.

Turning Point
The opening four-goal haul before South Africa stopped the charge. Spain then swam away with the match to 14-1 at halftime.


Image Source: Jo Williams (RSA)/Istvan Derencsenyi/World Aquatics

Stats Don’t Lie
Spain had the better of the stats with three from three on extra to South Africa’s one from three. Penalty goals went Spain’s way two to one while Spain made 11 steals to two. On total shots, Spain ripped in 36 to South Africa’s 25.

Bottom Line
Spain is the Olympic champion, so this was like the world’s best versus a nation that fills the bottom positions at this level.

What They Said

Anni ESPAR (ESP) — Captain

On the team’s performance:
“I think we had a very good performance. A very good start to the tournament.”

Feelings on representing her country on the world stage:
“It’s really good, I’ve been on the team for a while, representing Spain and to keep being here with my team-mates, younger team-mates. I just feel really proud.”

Opinions on the atmosphere:
“I think it’s a bit early. I think we’ll have better matches in terms of people coming to watch. 9am isn’t the best time to come and support the team, but it’s still good. We had some people in the stands cheering for us; it was good.” 

Shakira JANUARY (RSA) — Captain

On how the team feels:
“It’s not every day that you get to play the Olympic champions. We’re happy with the result, we focused on (it) and we’re happy with the small wins and goals we set for ourselves. I mean, we just focused on hitting our small goals and we’re happy with the outcome.”

On what results the team is seeking:
“So, we’re obviously always striving for (a) top 12 (placement). I think our games (with) France and Great Britain are the two ones we’re looking for a much smaller goal margin than this one. But we are definitely excited and pushing for (a win) with Great Britain.”

On what message she wants to send to her rivals:
“Watch out for South Africa!”

Progress Points

Group A: Australia, Italy, New Zealand, Singapore.
Group B: Netherlands 3, United States of America 3, China 0, Argentina 0.
Group C: Japan 3, Greece Hungary, Croatia 0.
Group D: Spain 3, Great Britain 3, France 0, South Africa 0.

Day 3 Schedule

Match 09. 09:00. Group B, China v Argentina
Match 10. 10:35. Group C, Hungary v Japan
Match 11. 12:10. Group D, Great Britain v South Africa
Match 12, 13:45, Group C, Croatia v Greece
Match 13. 16:00. Group D, Spain v France
Match 14. 17:35. Group A, Australia v Italy
Match 15. 19:10. Group A, New Zealand v Singapore
Match 16. 20:45. Group B, United States of America v Netherlands





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