Laguna’s Dries shines in Russia

Laguna Beach High graduate Annika Dries has helped lead the U.S. junior women’s national team into the semifinals at the FINA Junior Women’s Water Polo World Championships in Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia.

Dries, a center and team captain, scored two goals in Thursday’s 9-5 quarterfinal win over defending champion Australia. Team USA will meet the Netherlands in today’s semifinal.

Dries was one of three players who scored three goals in Wednesday’s 16-4 victory over South Africa.

Team USA opened the tournament with a 15-11 loss to Russia, despite two goals from Dries. But the United States rebounded with a 15-3 rout of Brazil, as Dries again scored twice.

The United States then topped the Netherlands, 10-4, behind three more goals from Dries, who is one of two Orange County players on the squad along with future Stanford teammate Kate Baldoni (Corona del Mar).

Through five games, Dries leads the team with 12 goals scored.

Dries was the Orange Coast League and CIF Division II MVP last year for Laguna Beach, helping the Breakers win both league and CIF titles.