After struggling defensively earlier this week against Spain, the U.S. held Italy to just three goals in a 10-3 victory on Wednesday, Day 3 of the women's water polo tournament in Paris.
U.S. coach Adam Krikorian said the loss to Spain motivated his team. Not so much the fact they lost, but the way they lost. He called the 13 goals his team previously allowed "a little bit of a soul crusher."
"The loss to Spain, it was upsetting," Krikorian added. "We have a competitive group of women who take a lot of pride in the way they play. When we reflected upon that loss, it definitely fueled the fire... So it was great to see us play with a little bit more fire defensively."
Defensively, the Americans allowed Italy to shoot just 12% on 25 shots, which Krikorian said they can take a lot of confidence from as they move on in the tournament.
“To take the loss, the fire from that game, and use it as motivation to produce four consistent quarters against Italy, it's not easy to do," said Maddie Musselman, who led the U.S. with three goals. “To be able to come out the way we did and sustain that through the entire game I think is a team effort... I’m definitely proud of every single person on our team. Whether they were in there for a minute or in there for the whole game, everyone contributed today and that was awesome.”
Nine of Italy's shots were saved by keeper Ashleigh Johnson, who raised her tournament total to 32 stops in three games.
“I think so much credit goes to her," Musselman said of Johnson. “We have to take that burden off her sometimes by getting those blocks, getting those tips and playing team defense so that her job is easier... She's phenomenal in there and we're so lucky to have her.”
The offense was also incredibly balanced for the U.S., with eight difference scorers in the match. Musselman was the only American to find the net more than once.
The U.S. was coming off of a 13-11 loss to Spain in a rematch of the Tokyo gold medal match. Now 2-1 with two games remaining, they're guaranteed to advance to the quarterfinals.
Italy falls to 0-2 in the Paris Games.