The American girls had a tall activity in opposition to defending Olympic champions New Zealand, who’ve dominated this match and had received the final twelve matches in opposition to america. New Zealand proved victorious with a 24-12 win and superior to the gold medal match. The U.S. girls fill face Australia for bronze.
MATCH STATS
An ideal alternative early on, the U.S. girls took benefit of a penalty with a pleasant strive run by three-time Olympian Alev Kelter for the 5-0 lead. Kelter used her energy to execute a textbook stiff arm on the way in which to the strive.
New Zealand didn’t wait lengthy to reply, although, as Stacey Fluhler displayed lovely footwork fundamentals and ran previous Ilona Maher; the conversion was transformed to offer the Black Ferns a two-point benefit.
Proper earlier than the top of the half, Fluhler appeared to have scored for NZ, however Kelter made a try-saving deal with to push Fluhler into contact. The Black Ferns held a 7-5 lead on the half.
It was not a superb begin for the American girls within the second half. Backpedaling in their very own 22, Sammy Sullivan was known as for a not releasing penalty and Fluhler transformed the simple attempt to put New Zealand up 12-5.
Michaela Blyde, New Zealand’s main strive scorer, prolonged the Black Ferns lead when she turned the nook on Ariana Ramsey. An unfortunate bounce on the following kickoff sealed the Individuals destiny as Blyde discovered the again of the strive once more.
Nonetheless, the Individuals performed to the final whistle. Kristi Kirshe scored a pleasant strive off a change go for a last rating of 24-12. Not all is misplaced the Purple, White and Blue because the Individuals will face Australia within the bronze medal match, the primary time an American crew has superior to a medal match in Olympic play (males or girls).
New Zealand’s Sarah Hirini spoke after the match on what it means to be heading to the gold medal match. “Very emotional. These are glad tears. I am pleased with the group and really excited to play an Olympic last in entrance of 65,000 folks. It is fairly unimaginable,” she’d add, “We’re going for one shade (medal within the last). It is a once-in-a-lifetime alternative.”
