Melissa Gonzalez scored on a penalty corner 21 seconds into the match to set the tone on a rainy Wednesday evening.
Advertisement
“That was definitely a newer experience for us”, Bam said.
The Americans followed those eye openers with a 6-1 victory over Japan on Wednesday.
The American team, which is captained by Central Bucks East grad Lauren Crandall and also features Perkasie’s Julia and Katie Reinprecht, knocked off the No. 2 and 3 teams in the world in Argentina and Australia, respectively, in its first two games.
The U.S.is now 4-0 in Pool B and will face Great Britain for a chance to clinch the top spot.
Because of goal differential, the United States would win the pool with a draw.
“Katie’s a prolific goal scorer and has been for many years”, USA coach Craig Parnham said.
After setting a team record for goals in an Olympic match against Japan, the Americans continued their high-quality play against India. “It’s hard to step up and bury a team like we just did that’s ranked lower than you”. “Another three points tonight is important for us”.
With two minutes left before halftime, the US ran another tricky play on a penalty corner attempt that had Katie Reinprecht taking the shot. “And the plus-five goal difference is really helpful when we’re in pool play”. Jill Witmer scored for the United States in the third period, and Bam scored twice in the fourth.
United States’ Katie Bam, right, celebrates with teammate Michelle Vittese after scoring against India during a women’s field hockey match at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Thursday, Aug.
But any hopes of an Indian comeback were quelled in the third period when Kathleen scored another field goal to double the U.S. lead. Bam said the Americans won’t get ahead of themselves.
Japan fell to 0-2-1.
Advertisement
Bam scored her fifth goal overall in the tournament after taking an India defender baseline and dribbling back into the center of the circle to wind up for the shot.
