SIBENIK, Croatia, August 24. THE USA Junior Men's National Team shrugged off a loss to Serbia a day ago to come back and hammer South Africa 18-6 today at the FINA Men's Junior World Championships. Five goals from Griffin White (SoCal) along with a well balanced scoring attack proved the difference for Team USA. They now stand at 2-1 overall awaiting their next opponent.
Team USA took control of the game of the game in the first quarter going up 4-0. White and Nick Rascon (SoCal) had two goals each. South Africa's Du Plessis added their only goal of the quarter with :17 remaining.
In the second quarter the USA then went up 7-1 on goals from James Perry (Lamorinda), Chris Wendt, (Windy City WP) and Spencer Hamby (VC Premier). South Africa's Hock added a goal to make the score 7-2. White scored the last two goals of the quarter to make the score 9-2 going into halftime.
The second half was much of the same for the red, white, and blue. The US tallied another 9 goals while giving up 4 to South Africa. Nikola Vavic (Trojan) and Wendt each contributed 2 goals, while Josh Samuels (SoCal), White, Paul Reynolds (SoCal), Perry, and Hamby had one a piece.
John Sibley (Lamorinda) and Andrew Lighterink (San Diego Shores) shared time in the cage and led the defensive effort with 9 saves. Team USA dominated power plays going 6/13 while limiting South Africa to 0/6. Both teams were perfect on penalty shots with the USA converting 1/1 and South Africa converting 2/2.
Scoring
USA 18 – 4, 5, 4, 5 — White 5, Wendt 3, Hamby 2, Perry 2, Rascon 2, Vavic 2, Samuels 1, Reynolds 1
RSA 6 – 1, 1, 2, 2 — Mostert 2, Du Plessis 2, Hock 1, Card 1
Saves: USA Sibley 4, Lighterink 5
RSA Carter 8
6 on 5: USA 6/13
RSA 0/6
Penalties: USA 1/1
RSA 2/2
Steals: Watkins 7
Assists: Reynolds 4
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