NEWPORT BEACH, California – Canada won the bronze medal on Sunday at the Holiday Cup women’s water polo tournament tying the U.S., 8-8 in a battle between the top-two ranked countries in the world.

The Canadians end the single round robin tournament with a win, a loss and three ties (1-1-3).  Australia (4-0-1) clinched the gold medal defeating Russia 11-9 while the world champion Americans followed for silver at 2-0-3. 

Emily Csikos of Calgary and Marina Radu of Pointe-Claire, Que., scored three goals apiece for Canada with singles to Joelle Bekhazi of Pointe-Claire and Tara Campbell of Baie-d’Urfé, Que.  Canada led 2-0 after the first quarter, the U.S., was up 4-3 at the half and the score tied 5-5 after three.

‘’It’s a really good result to the end the tournament and we were happy the way things went this week,’’ said Canada’s head coach Patrick Oaten.  ‘’We identified areas we really need to focus on and we are only going to get better.’’

Oaten put several young players in the heat of the top level international water polo action both this week and last week at the Canada Cup in Montreal.  He says the team is confident heading into the 2010 season which will feature World League play and the FINA World Cup.

‘’We can build off these last two tournaments with the confidence we’ve gained’’ said Oaten.  ‘’A lot of our less experienced players stepped it up which is going make coaching decisions difficult.’’

Russia (1-2-1) finished fourth, the Netherlands (0-2-3) fifth and Italy (1-4-0) sixth.

Canadian team roster

Players: Emily Csikos, Calgary; Elisabeth Henry, Victoria; Rachel Riddell, Vancouver; Krystina Alogbo, Rivieres-des-Prairies, Que.; Joelle Bekhazi, Pointe-Claire, Que.; Tara Campbell, Baie-d’Urfé, Que.; Michele Caron, Kirkland, Que.; Katrina Monton, Dorval, Que.; Dominique Perreault, Montreal; Marina Radu, Pointe-Claire; Michele Relton, Beaconsfield, Que.; Christine Robinson, Lachine, Que.; Rosanna Tomiuk, Beaconsfield; Anna Yelizarova, LaSalle, Que.

Head coach : Patrick Oaten, Pointe-Claire
Assistant coaches:  Daniel Berthelette, Montreal; Gyula Toth, Calgary
Support staff:  Justin Oliveira, Pointe-Claire; Justin Mitchell, Vancouver
Manager: Jonathan Clarke, Beaconsfield, Que.
Massage therapist: Manon Prieur
Referee: Stéphane Roy