World Championships: U.S. Routs Argentina for Women’s Water Polo Group Title
The U.S. routed Argentina, 26-3, on the third day of women’s water polo play at the 2025 World Championships to earn the Group A title on Tuesday. That allows the U.S. to skip the crossover round and head straight to the quarterfinals on Saturday.
Australia romped past Oceania rival New Zealand, 15-6, to win Group A. Spain polished off the Group D title with a 16-7 win over Great Britain, while Hungary’s 22-6 victory over Croatia earns it the Group C title.
Ava Stryker led the U.S. with six goals. Jovana Sekulic scored four times. Emma Lineback supplied two goals and three assists. Isabel Williams made seven saves in her first game of the tournament.
It was the first in a day of blowouts, the closest game a six-goal affair between Netherlands and China. The Chinese fought valiantly, falling 13-7 despite nine saves from Yineng Shen and three goals from Siya Yan. Sabrina van der Sloot led the Netherlands with four goals. Simone van de Kraats contributed a goal and four assists. Lieke Rogge (goal, three assists) and Kitty-Lynn Joustra (two goals, two assists) were also central for the Dutch.
Spain built a six-goal halftime lead to top Great Britain, 16-7. Bea Ortiz led the way with two goals and four assists. Elena Ruiz tallied a hat trick.
Alice Williams continued a stellar tournament with three goals and three assists to fuel Australia’s 15-6 win over New Zealand. Danijela Jackovich and Sienna Hearn each tossed home hat tricks. Bronte Halligan paired two goals with four assists, and Charlize Andrews notched two and three.
Hungary rendered Croatia winless in the group stage with a 22-6 decision powered by nine first-quarter goals. Krisztina Garda was 4-for-4 shooting. Rita Keszthelyi tallied four goals and four assists. Luca Torma was unbeatable in goal with 17 saves.
Greece overpowered Japan, 25-15, thanks to seven goals from Maria Myriokefalitaki. Stefania Santa had three goals and four assists, Vasiliki Plevritou three and three. Foteini Tricha scored four goals, and Ioanna Stamatopoulou stopped 13 shots.
All 12 Italians in the lineup scored in a 32-5 win over Singapore. Agnes Cocchiere led the way with six markers. Chiara Ranalli tossed in five goals and four assists. Sofia Giustini paired three goals with five assists, and Dafne Bettini dished five assists.
France needed three goals and two assists from Ema Vernoux to outlast a game South Africa side, 13-6. Erica Hardy and Valentine Heurtaux also scored hat trick.
The second- and third-placed teams in each group will play in Thursday’s crossover round. Italy takes on China. The Netherlands will play New Zealand. France and Greece square off, as do Japan and Great Britain. Winners reach the quarterfinals. Losers head to the 9-12 placement bracket.
