Women’s Water Polo: Gilchrist scores twice for Team USA

Newport Harbor High alumna Kaleigh Gilchrist scored twice as the U.S. senior national women’s water polo team beat China, 8-2, at the FINA Intercontinental Tournament on Tuesday night in Auckland, New Zealand.

Newport Harbor senior goalie Carlee Kapana made nine saves and allowed no second-half goals for Team USA, which pulled away after the score was tied 2-2 at halftime. Corona del Mar junior Maddie Musselman drew five exclusions and had two field blocks on five-on-six defense, as well as a steal.

Gilchrist’s second goal was on a penalty shot drawn by Kami Craig early in the fourth quarter, and it snapped the 2-2 tie.

Team USA also beat Brazil, 9-4, in its first game of the FINA Intercontinental Tournament. Musselman scored once and Kapana made seven saves.

Team USA is aiming for a top four finish in the tournament, which will qualify the Americans for the FINA World League Super Final.

The United States closes out group play against Kazakhstan at 11 p.m. Wednesday night Pacific Standard Time (6 p.m. Thursday in New Zealand).

— From staff reports