Fresno State Athletics
Benson leads USA Junior National Team at FINA World Championship
10/15/2019 12:55:00 PM | Water Polo
FUNCHAL, Portugal – Fresno State water polo head coach Natalie Benson coached the USA Junior Women's National Team on the international stage last month, leading Team USA to a sixth place finish at the 2019 FINA World Junior Championship.
"It was an honor to work with our future Olympians throughout the process of selecting, training, and competing with the USA Junior National Team," Benson said. "I hope that this experience will be a foundational block of their playing careers, and that the lessons learned through this tournament will be of benefit to them in the future." Â
Benson was accompanied by Fresno State water polo athletic trainer Sarah Cerami on the trip, who served as the athletic trainer for Team USA throughout the tournament.
The Americans opened the tournament with a close 8-7 win over Hungary, scoring on a power play goal with 46 seconds left to secure the win for Team USA. The Americans took the group title, defeating Australia 9-8 in the second round, to finish with a 2-0 record in group play.
Team USA advanced to the quarterfinals where they faced Italy. The Americans were edged out by the Italians 9-8, eliminating them from medal contention. Team USA wasn't finished yet, the Americans had a dominate performance against China advancing to the fifth-place game with a 16-10 victory. Team USA's journey would come to an end with a 10-9 loss to Spain.
Team USA finished play in Portugal with a 3-2-1 record earning wins over Australia, Hungary and China to take sixth place.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley"" -Â The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
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Follow us on:
Twitter:@FresnoStateWP
Instagram:Â FresnoStateWP
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"It was an honor to work with our future Olympians throughout the process of selecting, training, and competing with the USA Junior National Team," Benson said. "I hope that this experience will be a foundational block of their playing careers, and that the lessons learned through this tournament will be of benefit to them in the future." Â
Benson was accompanied by Fresno State water polo athletic trainer Sarah Cerami on the trip, who served as the athletic trainer for Team USA throughout the tournament.
The Americans opened the tournament with a close 8-7 win over Hungary, scoring on a power play goal with 46 seconds left to secure the win for Team USA. The Americans took the group title, defeating Australia 9-8 in the second round, to finish with a 2-0 record in group play.
Team USA advanced to the quarterfinals where they faced Italy. The Americans were edged out by the Italians 9-8, eliminating them from medal contention. Team USA wasn't finished yet, the Americans had a dominate performance against China advancing to the fifth-place game with a 16-10 victory. Team USA's journey would come to an end with a 10-9 loss to Spain.
Team USA finished play in Portugal with a 3-2-1 record earning wins over Australia, Hungary and China to take sixth place.
"Fresno State Athletics: The Pride of the Valley"" -Â The Bulldog Foundation creates championship experiences for Fresno State student-athletes as they strive for excellence in the classroom, in competition, and in life. To become a BDF member, please call 559-278-7160.
Â
Follow us on:
Twitter:@FresnoStateWP
Instagram:Â FresnoStateWP
Â
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