USA goalkeeper in a red cap reaching up as the ball flies past, goal behind her

Journal · Action Sports · Princeton, NJ

No Sleep Till Tokyo

Written by Alex Kelly · December 2019

Heading into the second to last game of the season, the USA Women's National Water Polo team held an astonishing 35-0 record. The question became, can they close out the final two games at the 2019 Holiday Cup to end the 2019 season with an undefeated record. Follow along on the game recap where team USA took on Italy with the dream of a perfect season at stake.

Princeton arena scoreboard showing the USA Water Polo shield, Italy 1, USA 8

USA player in a white cap smiling while treading water during warm-ups — With just an hour to go before the start of the game, the ladies were full of smiles when warming up.

Players sprinting for the ball in the swim-off at the start of a period — Taking command at the start of each period in the swim-off

USA number 3 raising the ball overhead to pass — and well executed passes,

USA number 6 holding the ball up to pass with an Italian defender behind her — and well executed passes,

USA number 7 rising out of the water to shoot — set up POWERHOUSE shots.

USA shot flying into the open net as Italy's goalkeeper and defenders lunge — This allowed Team USA to find the open net.

Ball sailing past the Italian goalkeeper toward the left post — This allowed Team USA to find the open net.

A strong defense

Two USA defenders leaping to block a shot in front of their goalkeeper

USA goalkeeper beside USA number 11 as she blocks a shot near the goal — and an unbreakable force in the net, allowed Team USA to maintain the lead for the entire game.

USA defender with her hand up as an Italian player shoots — and an unbreakable force in the net, allowed Team USA to maintain the lead for the entire game.

USA goalkeeper leaping through the spray with the ball overhead

USA goalkeeper stretching for the ball beside the post

USA goalkeeper reaching back as the ball drops in front of the goal line

USA goalkeeper number 13 reaching up with one hand to meet the ball

Final score: USA 11, ITA 2

Black and white photo of USA players and coaches stacking hands at the pool edge — Team USA would go on to win the final match of the Holiday Cup and finish the season undefeated, 37-0.

Excellent season, ladies!

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