Armstrong Leads USA to Pan Am Gold, Olympics Berth
7/20/2007 12:00:00 AM | Water Polo
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- Former University of Michigan water polo goalkeeper Betsey Armstrong (2002-05) led Team USA to a 6-4 win over Canada Friday (July 20) to clinch a gold medal at the XV Pan American Games at Parque Aqutico. The top honor also secures Team USA's spot at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Team USA compiled a perfect 7-0 record for the tourney and outscored the opposition 90-29.
Armstrong was in the cage for five of the team's seven victories. The former Wolverine made 17 saves in 56 minutes in medal-round wins over Cuba and Canada. Overall, Armstrong posted a .644 save percentage to go with her five wins.
Prior to her performance at the Pan American Games, Armstrong was a vital part of Team USA's gold medal victories in both the FINA World League and FINA World Championships. She made 12 saves in the FINA World Championships final against Australia.
U-M's career leader in blocks (1,267), minutes (3,329), goals against average (5.64) and save percentage (.654), Armstrong was a second team All-American as a junior and third team honoree as a senior after earning All-America honorable mention her first two seasons in Ann Arbor. She was also a two-time Eastern Championship Most Valuable Player, spearheading Michigan's sixth-place finish at the 2005 NCAA Championship.
The Pan American Games are held every four years in the year immediately preceding the Summer Olympics. This year's event features more than 5,500 athletes from 42 countries in the Americas.
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