HARBIN, China -- Harvard senior Caitlin Cahow and former Crimson standouts Julie Chu '07-07 and Angela Ruggiero '02-04 each collected assists as Team USA defeated Canada, 4-2, in the gold-medal game at the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women's World Championships held at Baqu Arena.

The United States concluded the championships 4-0-1-0 and ended with consecutive victories over Canada for its second gold medal in the last three world championships.

Cahow was named one of Team USA's best players of the tournament, while Ruggiero won the Directorate Award as the best defenseman at the championships.

After Harvard junior and 2008 Patty Kazmaier Award Winner Sarah Vaillancourt gave Team Canada a 1-0 lead on a 4-on-4 situation at 1:57 of the first period, Team USA tied the game later in the frame on a power play at 8:09. Chu fed Jenny Potter the puck for the score.

The United States grabbed its first lead of the game, 2-1, at 17:41 as Cahow earned a secondary assist on a goal by Natalie Darwitz.

Ruggiero earned an assist on a 5-on-3 power play for Team USA in the second period, as she took a shot that was tipped into the net by Potter at 10:54. Team USA scored again later in the second to take a commanding 4-1 lead entering the final 20 minutes of play.

In the third, Canada tallied two goals within 70 seconds, including a score by Jennifer Botterill '02-03 at 9:48 on a power play. However, Team USA's defense shut down the Canadians for the final 10 minutes to earn the gold medal.

Botterill and Vaillancourt both took home the silver as members of Team Canada.