Team USA keeps winning at Pan-Am Games

Four Newport Beach girls’ water polo players all contributed as the United States Women’s Youth National Team defeated Canada, 9-7, on Tuesday at the UANA Youth Pan American Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Incoming Corona del Mar High sophomore Maddie Musselman and incoming Newport Harbor High junior Rachel Whitelegge each scored in the second half, with Musselman’s goal being the eventual game-winner. Newport Beach resident Brianna Daboub, who will be a senior at Mater Dei, also scored on a penalty shot, and incoming Newport Harbor junior goalie Carlee Kapana made 14 saves.

Team USA trailed Canada, 4-3, at halftime, but came back to take a 7-5 lead into the fourth quarter.

The victory was Team USA’s third in three days at the Pan American Championships. The United States also beat Puerto Rico, 22-6, on Sunday, and topped Venezuela by a 25-3 score on Monday.

Musselman had a team-high four goals against Puerto Rico, while Daboub had two and Whitelegge also scored. Kapana split time in goal, making 11 saves.

Musselman and Daboub each scored twice against Venezuela, and Kapana made six saves.

Team USA plays Brazil in its next game at 11:45 a.m. Pacific time Wednesday, and Argentina at 1 p.m. on Thursday. The tournament semifinals are Friday, with the championship match on Saturday.

— Matt Szabo