Betsey Armstrong

CHRISTCHURCH, N.Z. -- CWPA Hall of Fame and University of Michigan goalie Betsey Armstrong made 11 saves, including several crucial stops down the stretch, to aid Team USA in capturing the 2010 FINA World Cup in Christchurch, New Zealand with a 6-3 victory over Team Australia.  For Australia, former Hartwick College standout Bronwen Knox scored once.

Team USA came out on fire to start the match to open up a 6-0 lead by halftime.

Australia looked to rally in the second half when the Aussies scored back to back goals in the first 90 seconds of the period to draw within 6-2. Australia was going for more at the 6:07 mark when they had a penalty shot blocked by Armstrong.

It was 6-2 to start the final quarter and the United States killed off another Australia power play at the 6:28 mark to remain up four. The Aussies converted just one-of-nine power plays while the United States was two-for-seven on man-up chances. Knox broke through with a score in front of the cage at the 4:37 mark for a 6-3 game before fouling out of the contest.

The United States thwarted a power play tries for Australia at the 2:30 and 1:37 marks before working the clock for another United States championship.

Since winning Silver at the 2008 Olympic Games, the USA Women’s National Team has captured all the major championships in their path including two FINA World League Super Finals, a FINA World Championship prior to this year's FINA World Cup. The last FINA World Cup title came in 1979 in Merced, California.