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U.S. women defend water polo gold

Sergio Moraes / REUTERS

The U.S. women's water polo team is golden again.

Ashleigh Johnson made nine saves and Kiley Neushul scored three times, helping the United States beat Italy 12-5 in the Olympic final. The Americans stretched their win streak to 22 games with their sixth victory in Rio by a combined score of 73-32.

The U.S. also won gold in London in 2012. It's the only two-time winner since the tournament was added to the Games in 2000.

Federica Radicchi scored two goals for Italy, which also won its first five games in Rio.

Russia captured the bronze with a wild 19-18 win over Hungary in penalty shots.

In another Olympics dominated by U.S. women, Maggie Steffens and company shined brightly. The water polo team currently holds each of the major titles in the sport, adding a second Olympic gold to its world championship, World Cup and World League Super Final titles.

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