USA paddles to victory in water polo opener

The United States played a strong game, their quick strokes winning them possession of the ball.

By SARAH SECHAN ANS ILANA STRAUSS
water polo 88 298 (photo credit: Courtesy, Adi Koren)
water polo 88 298
(photo credit: Courtesy, Adi Koren)
The United States smashed Mexico 23-3 in the Maccabiah water polo opening at Netanya's Wingate Institute on Monday morning amidst cheers of "USA! USA!" and noisemakers painted with the Mexican flag. The United States played a strong game, their quick strokes winning them possession of the ball during the faceoff at the beginning of each quarter. The players pumped and passed the ball around in formation, and within the first few minutes of the contest, the United States scored. The rest of the quarter ran smoothly for the American team, enabling them to procure a strong 8-0 lead, from which the Mexican team was unable to recover despite gaining a turnover shortly after Aaron Platshon earned a penalty shot and scored. Shortly into the second quarter, the Mexican team earned a turnover and the United States lost its initial possession. However, the Mexicans were unable to capitalize on the opportunity. Two more points for the US sent it into the break with a dominating 10-0 lead. At the beginning of the second half of the game, the United States continued its aggressive attack with the ball, demonstrating the wide variety of ways one can score a goal in water polo. Spencer Borisoff made a goal from a distance of 15 feet. Zachary White shot the ball, which skipped off the water and into the goal. A quick round of passing between White, Adam Metzger, and James Neuwirth ensued, resulting in another goal at the hands of White. Although the game was already out of hand, Mexico gained some ground when Moises Achen scored at the end of the third, giving Mexico its first goal of the game. The Mexican team's fans went wild, waving flags and screaming at the top of their lungs. As if emboldened by the turn of events, Mexico's Abraham Amkie shot and scored shortly after to bring it to within 15-2 heading into the final frame. As if fueled by Mexico's two points during the previous quarter, the United States scored multiple goals in rapid succession. James Neuwirth, Bradley Roslyn, Aaron Platshon, Dean Serure, and Kevin Platshon scored easily. With 14 seconds left in the game, Neuwirth shot and scored, earning the last point of the game, which ended in a USA victory by a 20-point margin.