MILAN (AP) — Host Italy advanced to the quarterfinals of the Olympic women’s hockey championship for the first time on Monday, defeating Japan 3-2.
Italy improved to 2-1 with a game remaining against Germany to secure one of three quarter-final spots in Group B, a competition for the five lower-ranked teams.
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Mathilde Fontan scored two goals first, giving the Italian team a 2-0 lead in the first quarter.
After Japan’s Rui Ukita scored in the second period, Italy responded in the third period with a goal from Christian Della Rovere. Akane Shiga’s goal in the third period was confirmed after a lengthy video review to see if the puck had crossed the goal line, putting the pressure on Italy.
When the final buzzer sounded, Italian players poured from the bench to embrace goalkeeper Gabriela Durant, who made 27 saves.
This is Italy’s second Olympics as host, having lost all four games at the 2006 Games in Turin, finishing last among the eight teams.
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Later Monday, the United States will seek its third win over Switzerland, while Canada will seek to improve to 2-0 against the Czech Republic. Germany vs. France.
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AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics