Team USA is struggling.
The Bears are currently in Kazan, Russia, representing the United States at the World University Games, better known as the Universiade 2013. The games started on July 6 and will continue until July 17.
Cal kicked off the tournament with a 12-5 loss to Hungary last Saturday. On Monday, it went head-to-head against France but eventually came out with a close 7-5 loss. The Bears then played against Australia on Wednesday, ending in a 6-6 tie as Cal prepared for the quarterfinals on Friday.
Unfortunately for the Bears, the matchup between Russia and the United States in the quarterfinals ended with a 20-7 loss for the Bears. Following this loss, the Bears played in the losers’ bracket semifinals against Australia, losing 9-5. Cal’s next and last game in the tournament will be on Tuesday against France, where both teams will vie for seventh place.
Although the Bears’ losing streak has continued throughout the games, a new offensive leader has emerged: senior driver Ashley Young. After Cal lost its previous top scorer in all-time leading scorer Emily Csikos, one question remained: Who would take over for the Bears on the offensive end? But Young has cemented herself as one of Cal’s new leaders, having scored multiple goals in four of the five matches so far.
The streak of losses may be explained by the fact that the team consists only of the Bears’ roster, while their opposing teams are made up of some of the best players in each country.
Despite the team’s failure to come up with a win in the tournament so far, the Bears are making the best of their time in Russia. According to sophomore Brooke Vowell’s blog, “Brooke’s Beat,” the Bears are enjoying all that Russia has to offer, summing it up with a simple statement: “Folks, it’s that time of year to be adventurous and touristy. Yes, Cal Women’s Water Polo takes on Kazan!”
There is no lack of sights to see in Russia, including the games. The opening ceremony itself drew 45,000 spectators, with more than 2 million people expected to visit Kazan during the games. This does not include the athletes, which rounds up to roughly 12,000 student-athletes from 170 different countries.
Despite the number of games Cal has lost at the tournament, the Bears are hoping to make the most of their experience in Kazan. According to Brooke’s Beat, “Although this record isn’t stellar, our squad is coming out of it with some great experience. We have come a long way since we began playing together this summer, and I’m confident that things will only get better!”
Hopefully for the Bears, Cal can end the tournament on a high note and come home not only with new memories but also with a win under its belt.
Alicia Fong covers women’s water polo. Contact her at [email protected]