Ritner is MVP as Team USA wins gold

Corona del Mar High senior goalie Heidi Ritner earned MVP and Top Goalie honors as the U.S. women’s cadet national water polo team defeated Canada, 9-7, on Friday to win gold at the UANA Youth Pan American Tournament in Kingston, Jamaica.

Ritner had several big saves, including a penalty shot stop as Canada was rallying in the second half. Team USA led, 7-1, at halftime, but Canada narrowed its deficit to 8-7 before a late goal by Jewel Roemer put the game away in the final minute.

It’s the conclusion of a big summer for Team USA’s women, which have also won gold at the senior Pan Am games, the World Championships, Junior Worlds and FINA World League.

— Matt Szabo