Women’s Water Polo: US Edges World Champion Italy, 9-8

ROME, July 11. THE U.S. women's water polo team knocked off defending World Champion Italy, 9-8, in front of the champs' home crowd to advance to tomorrow's semifinals in the Italian International Water Polo Tournament. Meanwhile, the U.S. Men's Youth Team beat Russia, 4-2, in a tournament in Istanbul.

U.S. Women Upset Italy, 9-8

The game, which was the second of the day for the U.S., moves the U.S. to 3-0 on the week. They will play against the Netherlands tomorrow evening.

Brenda Villa got hot, scoring four goals for the U.S. Italy was unable to make the most out of its 6-on-5 chances, going 4 for 14 on the day against a stifling USA defense. Team USA went 4 for 9 on the advantage.

In the other semifinal game, 2000 gold medalist Australia will meet Italy. The winner that game will move on to meet the winner of USA/Netherlands game
for the tournament championship.

"This tournament gives us a good gauge on how we'll do at the World Cup and in the Olympics because of the teams that are here," said U.S. head coach Guy Baker.
"Of course it's early, but playing these kinds of games will help us out."

Italy 0 2 3 3 — 8
Team USA 2 2 3 2 — 9

Goal Scorers:
Brenda Villa 4
Heather Petri 1
Ellen Estes 1
Coralie Simmons 1
Margie Dingeldein 1
Heather Moody 1

Player Advantage:
USA 4 for 9; 1 for 1 on penalty shots
Italy 4 for 14

Other Scores:
Italy 12, Germany 7 *Italy will move on to semifinals vs. Australia
Greece 5, Germany 5
Russia 9, Canada 5
Australia 7, Holland 5 *Australia will move on to semifinals vs. Italy,
Holland will move on to semifinals vs. USA

US Men's Youth Team Beats Russia, 4-2

ISTANBUL, July 11. AFTER a full week of intense training in Sisak, Croatia, the USA Mens Youth Team played in the opening game of the Ispolo Water Polo Tournament in Istanbul, Turkey.

The USA jumped to a 2-0 lead on two first period goals by Tyler Kandel. Russia scored the only goal of the 2nd quarter to make the score 2-1 at the half. Grant Miller broke the tie with a 6 on 5 goal with less than a minute to play in the 3rd quarter.

After Julian Arthur drew an exclusion at 2m, Mike Garcia scored on the advantage to make the score 4-2 with 2:44 to play. Russia never threatened the rest of the way.

The USA earned 9 exclusions, including 2 each by centers Simon Schafer and Julian Arthur, and only gave up 5 major fouls. The defense was led by goalie Sandy Hohener, who tallied 6 saves, and center backs Marty Matthies, Tom Corcoran, and Grant Miller.

The USA plays two games on Friday, July 12, with Romania in the morning, and host Turkey in the evening.

Men's Youth Team Results

USA 4
Russia 2

USA goals: Tyler Kandel 2, Grant Miller 1, Mike Garcia 1
USA saves: Sandy Hohener 6

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