US women beat China 12-9, advance to quarterfinals of water polo at world championships

US women advance to quarterfinals of water polo

ROME — Heather Petri and Kelly Rulon scored three goals apiece, leading the United States to a 12-9 victory over China on Saturday and into the quarterfinals of women’s water polo at the world championships.

Jessica Steffens added two goals for the Americans at Foro Italico, offsetting five goals by China’s Gao Ao. The U.S. (3-1) will face Spain (2-0-1) on Monday.

Canada (3-0-1) advanced to the quarterfinals when Dominique Perreault scored times in a 13-7 win over Germany, setting up a matchup against powerhouse Hungary (3-0).

Christina Tsoukala scored in the final period with 4:55 remaining, leading Greece to a 10-9 victory over Italy. Stavroula Antonakou scored three goals and Maria Tsouri made 11 saves for Greece (2-2), which will face Australia in the next round. Mieke Cabout scored three goals to lead the Netherlands (3-0-1) past New Zealand 9-7. The Netherlands will face Russia in the quarterfinals.