US women's water polo loses to Australia in sudden death, will play for bronze

PARIS — It took sudden death to make it happen, but the U.S. women’s run of water polo gold medals has come to an end.

Australia beat the U.S. in sudden death in a thrilling semifinal match Thursday at La Defense Arena, 14-13 – 6-5 in a shootout – to advance to Saturday’s championship match against Spain.

The U.S. had won three straight gold medals in the sport.

Australia overcame an 8-6 deficit in the fourth period when Bronte Halligan scored two goals to tie, the last with 2:54 to play.

Both teams made their first five attempts of the penalty-shot period, sending the match to sudden death. Zoe Arancini made her second penalty shot, skipping a shot past goalkeeper Ashleigh Johnson.

Australia goalkeeper Gabriella Palm deflected the next shot by Maddie Musselman for the win.

The U.S. will play the Netherlands for the bronze medal.

Australia is unbeaten in the Olympics.

Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on X and Instagram at @davebirkett.

➤ The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: US women's water polo loses to Australia in sudden death