Maggie Steffens in action with Giulia Enrica Emmolo of Italy during the women's water polo quarterfinal

LONDON -- Melissa Seidemann scored three goals and captain Brenda Villa added two as the United States beat Italy 9-6 to advance to the women's water polo semifinals at the London Olympics.

After two quick goals from Italy, Seidemann scored two of her goals as the U.S. went on a 6-1 run. The Americans closed the first half with a 6-3 lead.

Goalkeeper Betsey Armstrong batted Italian shots away and made more than a dozen saves.

The U.S. win sets up a semifinal showdown with fellow gold medal favorite Australia on Tuesday. That game will be a rematch of the semifinals from four years ago in Beijing. The Americans won 9-8 on their way to a silver.