Team USA cruises past Italy, advances to semifinals

MILAN — Kendall Coyne Schofield scored twice during a five-goal second-period outburst to lead the United States to a 6-0 victory over Italy in the Olympic quarterfinals on Friday. The win secured a spot in the semifinals for the Americans, who have never failed to reach the final four in Olympic history.

After Megan Keller opened the scoring in the first period, Coyne Schofield extended the lead early in the second by batting a puck off the back of Italian goaltender Gabriella Durante. Laila Edwards, Britta Curl-Salemme, and Hannah Bilka also found the back of the net as the U.S. outshot the tournament hosts 51-6.

Gwyneth Philips made six saves to earn the shutout, the fourth consecutive clean sheet for a U.S. defense that has allowed just one goal through five games. Durante finished with 45 saves for Italy, which was playing in just its second Olympics as the host nation.

With the win, the United States improved to 5-0 in the tournament and moved one step closer to its third gold medal. The Americans will face Sweden in the semifinals on Monday.