US wins another women's water polo world title, beating Hungary 8-7 for gold
Rachel Fattal of the United States celebrates after scoring against Hungary during the women's water polo final at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. Credit: AP/Lee Jin-man
DOHA, Qatar — The United States held off Hungary 8-7 on Friday to capture the women’s water polo title for the fifth time in the last six championships and eighth time overall.
Rachel Fattal scored three goals and goalkeeper Ashleigh Johnson made 10 saves to lead the Americans, who are three-time reigning Olympic champions.
The U.S. bounced back from a quarterfinal loss at last year’s world championships in Fukuoka. Rallying from an 8-5 deficit in the final quarter, Hungary came up just short of its first women’s world title since 2005.
Spain defeated Greece 10-9 for the bronze medal.