The USA Cadet Women’s National Team capped pool play at the UANA Youth Pan American Championship, picking up victories over Brazil (16-3) and Mexico (21-7) during the weekend in Kingston, Jamaica.
Sacred Heart Prep junior Maddy Johnston and Gunn sophomore Zoe Banks both play for Team USA, which is 5-0 and has outscored the opposition by 134-23.
Valerie Ayala, Sarah Klass, and Sabrina Garabet all scored three goals in the win over Brazil. Klass is the younger sister of incoming Stanford freshman Kat Klass.
Team USA returns to action on Tuesday in the quarterfinals against an opponent to be determined.
In the win over Brazil, the United States went ahead 5-2 in the first quarter and then 11-3 at halftime. The defense outdid the offense in the second half for the United States as it blanked Brazil, 5-0, on the way to the easy victory. Team USA went 7 for 9 on power plays and made one of two penalty shots.
In Saturday’s first match, Johnston recorded a goal and Gunn High sophomore Zoe Banks recorded a save in a 27-4 romp over Trinidad and Tobago.
Meanwhile, the USA Youth Men’s National Team wrapped up pool play at the UANA Youth Pan Ams in Jamaica on Sunday with a 19-8 win over Puerto Rico. Jacob Cavano scored five goals to lead the offense. Team USA had a bye Monday before resuming competition on Tuesday.
Team USA opened up a 4-1 lead after the first period and pushed ahead to a 10-3 lead after two periods. If the third they put the match away scoring seven goals to take a 17-5 lead. The United States added two more goals in the fourth on the way to victory.
Menlo School grad and Cal freshman Nick Bisconti plays for Team USA.
By Palo Alto Online Sports/USA water polo
By Palo Alto Online Sports/USA water polo
By Palo Alto Online Sports/USA water polo