U.S. Ties Slovakia, Falls to New Zealand at World Junior Water Polo Championships -- October 11, 2005

LOS ALAMITOS, California, October 11. AFTER earning a victory over Mexico in its second game of the Junior World Water Polo Championships, the United States earned a tie and suffered a loss in its next two games. Now, the Stars and Stripes must secure a triumph over Russia on Wednesday in order to place in the top eight in the tournament.

On Sunday, the United States finished in a 5-5 tie with Slovakia as J.W. Krumpholz scored twice. Single tallies were supplied by Caleb Hamilton, Clay Jorth and Matt Sagehorn and goalie Chay Lapin turned in a 19-save performance. Spencer Ward turned in a strong defensive effort. On Monday, however, the United States was dealt an 11-4 setback by New Zealand. Tyler Kandel scored twice in the loss.