Craig’s scoring gets U.S. off to good start

Former Santa Barbara High star Kami Craig scored a game-tying goal with 10 seconds left, and the United States women’s water polo team prevailed in a shootout to beat Australia 15-14 in a preliminary game at the FINA World League Super Final on Tuesday in La Jolla.

Lauren Wenger entered the ball to Craig, who finished a step-out shot with 10 seconds remaining to send the game into the shootout. Craig finished with two goals for the  Americans, who are 2-0 in pool play.

She three goals in an 11-9 victory over Greece in the opening game on Monday.

Craig scored twice in the second period to help the U.S. take a 6-5 halftime lead. She would score again in the third period to expand the advantage to 9-6.

Goalie Betsey Armstrong had 13 saves in the preliminary match.

The U.S. is in a group with Greece, Australia and Russia. The other group consists of Canada, Netherlands, China and Hungary.

The tournament continues through July 3.