Laguna Beach High School Students Make Splash At FINA Water Polo

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — The FINA Women's Intercontinental Tournament at UC Davis continued Thursday, with the U.S. Women's water polo team challenging Japan in their quest for the title. The U.S. Women defeated Japan a whopping 10-6 on Thursday evening.

Orange County made a big showing, with Los Alamitos High School junior, Bayley Weber and Laguna Beach High School senior Aria Fischer both with two assists, but LBHS junior Thea Walsh made biggest splash.

Walsh, with 11 saves and four steals as the U.S. women's water polo team stood out among the waves and defeated Japan, 10-6, Thursday evening in the FINA Women's Intercontinental Tournament at UC Davis.

The U.S. improved to 3-0, and assured itself of at least a fourth- place finish and a berth in the FINA World League Super Final.

The U.S. led 2-0 at the end of the first quarter, 4-3 at halftime and 8- 4 entering the fourth quarter for its 25th consecutive victory dating back to 2016 when it was 40-2.

Melissa Seidemann, the only other member of the 2016 Olympic team on the team for the tournament, scored a game-high three goals.

The U.S. scored on three of its seven power-play opportunities. Japan scored on two of its six.
Neither team was awarded a penalty shot.

Japan led 30-24 in shots.

U.S. coach Adam Krikorian was limited in his selection of the team because the tournament takes place during the NCAA women's water polo season, leaving several players with national team experience unavailable for selection.

Credit: Jamie Squire / Getty Images Sport / Getty Images