Villa scores three goals for US water polo

Brenda Villa of Commerce scored three goals in the United States' 12-7 win over Russia in women's water polo.
"We knew that they haven't been playing well lately but we wanted to focus on our play," Villa said. "We needed to also focus on our counter-attack and defense. We felt that the game was chaotic but that's how it is when you play the Russians. Really, any day you can beat the Russians is a good day in the office for us."
Patty Cardenas of Commerce added a goal for the United States in the second half.
Russia's Sofya Konukh, who used to play at USC, scored two consecutive goals before halftime.
The United States finished group play with a 2-0-1 record and awaits the result of the match between China and Italy to see who it plays next.
The United States advances to the semifinals and a first-round bye with a China win. If Italy wins, the United States will most likely play the Netherlands in a quarterfinal match.