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ASSOCIATED PRESS
Kelly Rulon of the United States, right looks to pass the ball forward as Roberta Bianconi of Italy moves to block during their women's water polo quarterfinal match at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 5, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
LONDON >> Melissa Seidemann scored three goals and captain Brenda Villa added two as the United States beat Italy 9-6 to advance to the women’s water polo semifinals at the London Olympics.
After two quick goals from Italy, Seidemann scored two of her goals as the U.S. went on a 6-1 run. The Americans closed the first half with a 6-3 lead.
Goalkeeper Betsey Armstrong batted Italian shots away and made more than a dozen saves.
The U.S. win sets up a semifinal showdown with fellow gold medal favorite Australia on Tuesday. That game will be a rematch of the semifinals from four years ago in Beijing. The Americans won 9-8 on their way to a silver.
