ATHENS, Greece, Aug. 16 (UPI) -- Kelly Rulon scored with 4:25 remaining Monday to give the U.S. women's water polo team a 7-6 win over Hungary in their Olympic opener.
Brenda Villa scored four goals for the Americans and, with the game tied in the closing minutes, she hit the left goalpost with a shot.
The ball ricocheted right to Rulon, who easily recorded the winning goal. Rulon was celebrating her 20th birthday.
In another early game, defending Olympic champion Australia edged Italy, 6-5. Although the Australians won in 2000, they have a young team at these Games and Italy's experience made them the favorite.
The United States, silver medalists in Sydney, took a 4-1 lead against Hungary. But the Americans fell behind in the fourth quarter before Villa tied it shortly before Rulon's match winner.
The Americans held on to win when a last-second shot by Hungary hit the crossbar and bounced away.
