Jenna Flynn scored five goals, including a dramatic winner as time expired, as the United States defeated Australia 11-10 in San Jose on Wednesday night.
The victory completed a successful two-game series against the Stingers for the USA, who had also won the opening meeting 9-5 a day earlier.
Playing in her hometown, Flynn opened the scoring on the power play before adding a penalty to help the Americans establish an early advantage. Rosalie Hassett also found the net as the USA led 3-2 after the opening quarter.
Australia levelled early in the second period, but Flynn completed her first-half hat-trick with a sidearm finish before Ella Woodhead extended the American lead. The visitors responded before half-time, leaving the USA narrowly ahead at 5-4.
The momentum changed during the third quarter. Jewel Roemer initially made it 6-4, but Australia hit back strongly and scored three consecutive goals to take their first lead of the contest.
Ryann Neushul and Jordan Raney responded for the hosts, with another Australian goal in between, sending the teams into the final quarter level at 8-8.
Neushul restored the American advantage early in the fourth, but Australia struck twice to move 10-9 ahead and put themselves within sight of victory.
Flynn had other ideas.
With 1:45 remaining, the 21-year-old converted from a Roemer assist to make it 10-10. Goalkeeper Isabel Williams then produced an important save at the other end, giving the USA one final opportunity.
The Americans called timeout and brought Williams forward to create a 7-on-6 attack. After moving the ball around the perimeter, Flynn received possession and fired into the net as the final buzzer sounded, sealing an 11-10 victory and sending the San Jose crowd into celebration.
Williams finished with 11 saves, while Flynn’s five goals comfortably led the American scoring. Alice Williams scored three for Australia, with Abby Andrews, Tilly Kearns and Sienna Hearn adding two each.
The USA will continue their summer home stand against New Zealand on August 21 at Woollett Aquatic Center in Irvine. The game will begin at 7pm PT and will be streamed live on Overnght.
Results
USA 11-10 Australia
USA: Flynn 5, Neushul 2, Hassett 1, Raney 1, Roemer 1, Woodhead 1
Australia: A. Williams 3, A. Andrews 2, Kearns 2, Hearn 2, C. Andrews 1
Saves: I. Williams 11; G. Palm 5, C. Durston 4
Power plays: USA 2/10, Australia 1/9
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