Italy Edges Junior Men 9-8; USA To Play For Seventh Place At World Championship

SIBENIK, Croatia – August 29 – Despite a strong second half rally, it was not enough for the USA Men's Junior National Team as they fell to Italy 9-8 earlier today at the FINA Men's Junior World Championships. The loss sends the men into the seventh place match on Sunday against Australia.

Team USA struggled in this one with a slow start in the first half. Italy jumped out to a 3-1 lead after the first quarter and built that to a 6-2 lead at halftime. In the third quarter the United States staged a rally scoring four goals while holding Italy to just one and climbed back into the match trailing 7-6. In the fourth quarter the two teams were fairly even scoring two goals each which proved to be the difference for Italy as they came away 9-8 winners.

Nick Rascon (SoCal) and Griffin White (SoCal) each scored two goals to lead the offense while Nikola Vavic (Trojan), Nick Hoversten (Lamorinda), James Perry (Lamorinda), and Forrest Watkins (SoCal) added a goal each. John Sibley (Lamorinda) and Andrew Lighterink (San Diego Shores) split time in the cage combining for 6 saves. Both squads went 3/5 on power plays and neither attempted a penalty shot.

Team USA is back in action tomorrow against Australia for 7th place at 4:30pm local Croatia time.

Scoring

USA 8 (1, 1, 4, 2) N. Rascon 2, G. White 2, N. Vavic 1, N. Hoversten 1, J. Perry 1, F. Watkins 1
ITA 9 (3, 3, 1, 2) A. Barabino 2, D. Steardo 2, C. Mirachi 2, G. Mattielo 1, G. Matteo 1, L. Da Monte 1

Saves – USA – J. Sibley – 1, A. Lighterink 5 – ITA – L. Mugelli – 5
6×5 – USA – 3/5 – ITA – 3/5
Penalties – USA 0/0 – ITA – 0/0

The above article is a press release submitted to Swimming World Magazine. It has been posted in its entirety without editing. Swimming World offers all outlets the chance to reach our audience by contacting us at Newsmaster@swimmingworldmagazine.com. However, Swimming World reserves the right to choose what material is posted.

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