The U.S. water polo team fell short at the World University Games Sunday, dropping the gold-medal match to Italy.
Italy, playing on their home turf in Naples, prevailed 18-7. Italy led at halftime and pulled away in the third period.
In winning the silver medal, the men’s team put up its best showing since 1993, according to USA Water Polo, the sport’s governing body.
Coaches named UC San Diego players Kacpar Langiewicz, utility, and Jack Turner, goalkeeper, to the team in June. Players from UCLA and Stanford dominated the roster.
Both Tritons played large roles in the team’s success, as the US beat Croatia and Hungary to reach the final.
– Staff reports
