Tokyo, Japan – The United States lived up to their top billing by thrashing Spain 14-5 on Saturday for a third straight women's water polo Olympic gold.

Alys Williams opened the scoring after just 27 seconds, and the US were well on course at 4-1 after the first quarter.

They led 7-4 at the half before pulling away for good with seven unanswered goals as first tears of disappointment and frustration on the Spanish side started to flow at being outscored 7-1 in the second half.

Spain rarely found an opening and were denied by goalkeeper Ashleigh Jonson as they managed only five goals from 32 shots.

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The US in contrast netted more than half of their 26 attempts, with Madeline Musselman leading the way with three goals and the team celebrating in the usual way with long-time coach Adam Krikorian thrown into the pool together with his assistants.

The US is the dominant nation on the women's side of the sport with a third-straight title from six editions in the event, plus two silvers and a bronze.

They are also record and three-time reigning world champions, having beaten the Spaniards there as well in the last two finals.

Hungary, who handed the American women their only defeat in the group stage, took bronze 11-9 over the team from Russia.

The men's tournament is completed Sunday when Greece and Serbia battle for gold and Hungary play Spain for bronze.