February 25, 2010 - Drammen, Norway - The United States Women's Bandy team fell in it's first match of the World Championship against host Norway, and were then forced to turn around only a few hours later and take on defending World Champion Sweden. By the end of the night, the US had lost to Sweden by a final score of 11-0, but their elevated play late in the second half gave them some momentum going into their match with Russia the following morning.


In goal, it was Sarah Harms Master who drew the unenviable task of facing the powerful Swedes and their fast skating, precision passing attack.  While Harms Master made a number of stellar saves against Sweden, she was helpless against a relentless offensive attack, as the US struggled to keep pace with their opponents most of the night. For Sweden, rookies Lina Lindqvist and Matilda Johansson combined for seven of their teams eleven goals in their World Championship debut.  The American team struggled most of the game, but seemed to find a second gear late in the game. While they never found the net, they did manage to create some offense, and drive deep into the Swedish end for a number of attempts at the goal.   

The U.S. will take on Russia at 4:00 AM Central time (11:00 AM Central European Time) on Thursday.

Follow all of the matches at  www.bandy2010.com

~ Thom Wynn