Musselman stars for Team USA in win over Canada

Former Corona del Mar High star Maddie Musselman had a match-high three goals as the U.S. senior national women’s water polo team beat Canada, 14-7, on Tuesday at the Olympic Qualification Tournament in Gouda, the Netherlands.

Ex-Newport Harbor and USC star Kaleigh Gilchrist added a goal for Team USA. Makenzie Fischer, Kiley Neushul and Kami Craig each scored twice, and Ashley Johnson made seven saves.

The Americans improved to 2-0 in group play. They also got past Japan, 18-1, on Monday behind four goals from Neushul. Musselman scored twice in that game.

Team USA, which won gold at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, must finish top-four in this tournament to qualify for this summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Musselman and Gilchrist are both trying to help the United States qualify and also make their first Olympic team.

Team USA returns to action Wednesday with a game against Spain at 6 a.m. Pacific time. The match will be streamed live online.

It was also announced that Saturday’s pivotal tournament quarterfinal match will be broadcast on NBC Sports Network. That match is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Pacific time Saturday and Team USA will need to win it to qualify for Rio.

— Matt Szabo