The United States’ attacking firepower propelled the team to a 25-13 win over Australia on day two of the women’s sixes competition at The World Games 2025 in Chengdu, China.
Australia brought a physical challenge for the Americans and impressed throughout the opening stages, but the United States’ collection of star talent and chemistry was too much to handle possession after possession.
“[It was] taking a deep breath,” said Ellie Masera of the United States on the team’s adjustment early. “We came in really hot, we weren’t used to the physicality. We had to take time to adjust and go back to our game and slow down and instead a lot of transition, play a little bit of settled [game].”
The United States improved to 2-0 and the pole spot in Pool B, while Australia moved to 1-1.
Australia’s fitness, strength, and energy helped frustrate the United States in the first quarter, as the the Aussies kept pace with four early goals with four minutes.
But after a minute into the second quarter, the United States slowed the speed of the game and operated its set offense, allowing its cast of attackers to pick their spots. Six different players scored the United States’ first six goals. Up 8-6, the Americans then saw five different players score five goals to close out the second quarter.
The stretch was part of a larger 14-minute 13-0 run for the United States that went into the third quarter, as the Americans once flashed the two-way dominance reflecting their heightened ambitions in this edition of The World Games.
At the final whistle, the United States saw all 10 field players end up with at least a point, led by eight for Kenzie Kent and seven for Ellie Masera. Izzy Scane was right behind with a perfect six for six clip on shots.
Shea Dolce made six saves and Taylor Moreno made four. The United States as a whole pressured the Australians into 16 turnovers.
Addie Cunningham made 11 saves for Australia. Georgia Latch recorded six points and Hannah Nielsen had five.
The United States will look to keep its momentum rolling into the semifinals with a successful pool play finale against Czechia on Saturday at 9 a.m. Australia will likely need a win in a crucial matchup against Ireland 1 p.m.
Gallery
Our motto of this entire World Game is to stay connected. Instead of a stick tap, we do a high five, get that connectivity going. I think that’s showing in our play a lot, because we are so connected off the field, it’s showing on the field as well.
Ellie Masera
3 goals, 4 assists, 3 ground balls
