Spain took Team USA by surprise this afternoon by jumping to an early lead in today's quarter final match. With her seemingly unstoppable shots and lobs, #2 Blanca Gil Sorli of Spain was truly a force to be reckoned with as she got two goals past the U.S.'s defense early in the first quarter. U.S. captain, Brenda Villa put her team on the board with a 59.4 km/h shot from outside, only to have Gil Sorli return with her third goal of the quarter, giving Spain a two goal advantage.

If the U.S. was shook up by Spain's early lead, you wouldn't have known it from the stands. Shutting Spain out in the second and third quarters, the U.S. came out with a strong defense and increased their communication in front of the cage. Converting on a 6 on 5, Alison Gregorka brought the U.S. within one of Spain halfway through the second quarter. At 1:34, Villa produced her second goal of the game to even the score 3-3 going into halftime.

The U.S. continued to turn up the heat, delivering five unanswered goals in the third period. Villa started the quarter off with two consecutive goals, to give the U.S. their first lead in the game. Kami Craig delivered a beautiful 2M shot at 2.26, followed by a skip from Heather Petri. Lauren Wenger wrapped up the series with a shot from 2M to end the quarter 8-3.

Spain was eager to close the gap and repeatedly delivered the ball to Gil Sorli who racked up two more goals, bringing Spain within three of the U.S. early in the fourth quarter. Lauren Wenger and Natalie Golda quickly responded with two goals for the U.S., securing their place in the semi-finals. Gil Sorli continued to fight, releasing another goal past goalkeeper Betsey Armstrong, her sixth in the game.

"I'm not sure anyone has ever done that before," remarked USA Head Coach Guy Baker on Blanca Gil Sorli's six goals against the U.S. in one game. "Gil Sorli had a great game, we couldn't stop her."

With their win tonight, the U.S. secured their spot in the medal round games. The U.S. will play Hungary on Thursday night in the semi-finals. The winner of that game will advance to the gold medal match, with the loser competing for the bronze medal.

Tonight's game is available on-demand at www.wcsn.com at 11am ET. Watch exclusive coverage of the women's competition as WCSN.com follows the progress of Team USA with select quarter-final, semi-finals and finals coverage.

GOALS BY QUARTER
USA 1 2 5 2 = 10
ESP 3 0 0 3 = 6

USA GOAL SCORERS
Villa 4
Wenger 2
Gregorka 1
Craig 1
Petri 1
Golda 1

ESP GOAL SCORERS
Gil Sorli 6

GOALKEEPER SAVES
USA Armstrong 10/16
ESP Del Soto 4/14

6 on 5
USA 2/5
ESP 4/7

For the latest on the 12th FINA World Championships, keep an eye on http://www.melbourne2007.com.au/. For up to date information on Team USA and to view the team’s photo gallery and game recaps, go to www.usawaterpolo.org.

For more information on USA Water Polo or its National Team programs, please contact ntprograms@usawaterpolo.org or call the USAWP office at 562.799.8506.

USA Water Polo, Inc. is a not-for-profit corporation and is the national governing body for the sport of water polo in the United States under the auspices of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC). The mission of USA Water Polo is to grow the sport of water polo throughout the United States and win gold medals in Olympic, World Championship, and Pan American Games.