ATHENS, Greece -- Brenda Villa had two goals and two assists
Friday as the world champion United States beat Russia 8-4 and
advanced to the quarterfinals in water polo.
The Americans allowed only one goal in each period and had a
comfortable 7-3 lead heading into the final quarter.
The victory came two days after the Americans blew a 5-1 lead
and lost to Canada 6-5, jeopardizing their chances of reaching the
medal rounds.
Robin Beauregard, Villa, Amber Stachowski and Margaret
Dingledein scored in the second period to give the United States a
5-2 halftime lead.
Ekaterina Salimova scored early in the second half, cutting the
lead to 5-3, but Villa scored with a 4-meter penalty throw and
Ericka Lorenz gave the Americans a four-goal cushion.
Beauregard scored her second goal in the final quarter.