Spain made a commanding start to their World Aquatics Women’s U18 Championship title defence in Puerto de la Cruz, opening the tournament with a 22-6 victory over Croatia on Sunday.
The hosts effectively settled the contest during a dominant opening quarter, racing into a 9-0 lead before Croatia could get on the scoresheet. Marina Pineda, Ona Jurado and Marina Munoz all finished with four goals, while Queralt Anton and Martina Fernandez added hat-tricks as Spain underlined their status as one of the tournament favourites.
The other Group B match was also one-sided, with the United States defeating China 14-2. The Americans led only 2-1 after the opening period but pulled clear with a 5-0 second quarter and did not concede again until the final seconds. Charlotte Raisin led the USA scoring with three goals.
Group A provided much tighter contests. Hungary edged Italy 12-11 after an entertaining battle that remained level at 8-8 heading into the final quarter. Kincso Kenez scored three times in the fourth period, including the decisive goal with 2:44 remaining, as Hungary held off a late Italian push. Kenez and Adrienn Hetzl both finished with hat-tricks, while Malika Bovo scored four for Italy.
Greece also began with a victory, recovering from a 3-2 deficit against the Netherlands to take control through a six-goal burst across the second and third quarters. Nefeli Krassa scored four as Greece secured an 11-7 win.
Elsewhere, New Zealand survived a major challenge from Turkiye to win 17-16. The Kiwis had led by five early in the third quarter before Turkiye fought back, but New Zealand held possession through the final seconds to protect a one-goal advantage. India-Rose Scholes starred with six goals.
Germany defeated Malta 12-10 despite a strong late response from the Maltese, while South Africa overcame an early two-goal deficit to beat Zimbabwe 13-6.
The biggest victory of the opening day came from Australia, who swept aside Brazil 35-7. Bless Daly produced the standout individual scoring performance of the day with 11 goals as Australia scored at least eight times in every quarter.
After the first round, Spain and the USA sit level on three points in Group B, while Hungary and Greece have also taken maximum points from their opening matches in Group A. New Zealand, Germany, South Africa and Australia each lead their respective lower groups.
Results
Group A
Greece 11-7 Netherlands
Hungary 12-11 Italy
Group B
USA 14-2 China
Spain 22-6 Croatia
Group C
New Zealand 17-16 Turkiye
Group D
Germany 12-10 Malta
Group E
South Africa 13-6 Zimbabwe
Group F
Australia 35-7 Brazil
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