Men

Sibenik, Croatia  - 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
6x5 - USA - 3/5 - ITA - 3/5
Penalties - USA 0/0 - ITA - 0/0