London - UPI
Maggie Steffens scored four of seven unanswered U.S. goals Thursday, lifting the Americans to their first Olympic water polo title with an 8-5 win over Spain. Spain took a 2-1 lead with 6:41 to play in the first half and did not score again until 5:40 remained in the game. By that time the United States had built an 8-2 lead. Steffens scored five times in all, helping the Americans finally added a gold medal to the two silvers and a bronze won at the Olympics. Steffens scored 21 goals during the water polo tournament. Spain managed a silver medal in its Olympic debut and had battled the Americans to a 9-9 tie during group play. Australia won the bronze medal with a 13-11, overtime win over Hungary after almost giving the game away at the end of regulation. Australian goalkeeper Alicia McCormack was trying to let the final seconds tick off and did not see Dora Antal as she slipped up on her under the water. Antal stole the ball and scored the tying goal just before the game ended.