Kami Craig dominated the 2-meter area early and scored a man-advantage goal with less than two minutes remaining in the first period, sparking a 5-1 run that helped the United States women’s water polo team defeat Greece 9-7 in the semifinals of the FINA World League Super Final in La Jolla.
Craig is a former Santa Barbara High star.
The Americans will play Australia for the championship Saturday. Australia edged Russia 8-7 in the other semifinal game.
Craig stepped up when she was called upon on Thursday, and her play boosted the U.S. to a comeback 7-4 victory over Canada in the quarterfinals.
Craig scored a back-to-back goals to get the Americans back in the game after Canada took 3-0 lead in the first period. Her second goal was impressive as she powered through the defense from two meters and beat the goalie.
Tanya Gandy scored the tying goal before halftime and the U.S. took command in the second half, outscoring Canada 4-1.
