The reigning gold medalist U.S. Women’s water polo team prevailed Monday in their London debut. The 14-13 win over Hungary was as close as it looks. The score fluctuated around leads of one and two for the U.S. women and the largest lead, 12-9, lasted a mere 29 seconds.

The U.S. women were led by 19-year-old Maggie Steffens. The California native scored seven goals, all in the first three quarters. Steffens is currently deferring entrance into Stanford University while she plays for the national team.

Steffens was aided on the offensive effort by Courtney Mathewson. The 25-year-old Mathewson scored all three of the fourth quarter U.S. goals. She finished with four total goals.

The United States outshot the Hungarians 32 to 28 and converted the only penalty shot of the game. Both teams had 42 possessions. Perhaps the difference in the game was superior U.S. goaltending. Tumua Anae, 23, saved six of 19 shots for the U.S. while Edina Gangl,22, saved four of 18 shots for Hungary.

The game was brought to life by the magniloquent utterances of Mike “Doc” Emrick, the first member of the media to be admitted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame.

The United States now sit atop the Group A standings along with Spain, who they will face Wednesday before completing round robin play with China on Friday. China entered play ranked fourth in the FINA work rankings, but were spanked 11-6 by Spain. Expect the United States to easily advance out of the group stage with their eyes on an eventual showdown with Group B leader Australia.

Group A Standings

1. United States- 2 points

1. Spain- 2 points

3. Hungary- 0 points

3. China- 0 points

Group B Standings

1. Austrailia- 2 points

1. Russia- 2 points

3. Great Britain- 0 points

3. Italy- 0 points

The Big Guy