US women’s water polo team edge Hungary to reclaim world title

The United States outlasted Hungary 8-7 on Friday to capture the women’s water polo title for the fifth time in the last six championships and the 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 US bounced back from a quarterfinal defeat at last year’s world championships in Fukuoka. After trailing 8-5 in the final quarter, Hungary narrowly missed out on winning its first women’s world title since 2005.

Spain defeated Greece 10-9 for the bronze medal.

Three years ago, Adam Krikorian’s team became the third country to win three consecutive Olympic water polo titles, after the Hungarian men (2000-08) and the British men (1900-20).