Greece won the gold medal at the women’s FINA World Youth Water Polo Championships at Perth’s Challenge Stadium on Dec. 9, beating Hungary, 9-5.

Hungary had reached the final by beating pre-tournament favorite Russia, 14-11, and Greece advanced by beating the United States, 8-3, keeping the Americans scoreless for most of the last three quarters of the team with a ferocious defense.

The team’s coach, George Morfesis, led them to the European championship 18 months ago and now has a world championship to boast about.

In the final, Greece won more easily than even the score indicated, showing the potential the players have for the national and Olympic teams. Greece’s young women controlled the match throughout with disciplined play.