University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Josh Samuels earned a start in Team USA's first game (photo by Robert Hanashiro/USA Today).
Photo by: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
Rio Roundup – Aug. 6, 2016
August 06, 2016 | Men's Water Polo, Bruin Athletics
Schedule/Live Stream Links
TV Schedule
Men's Water Polo
Day One of the Olympics began on Saturday with men's water polo opening pool play with a 7-5 setback to the 2012 Olympic gold medalists, Croatia. USA led 4-3 before Croatia scored four unanswered goals to take a 7-4 advantage. UCLA junior Alex Roelse scored Team USA's only goal in the fourth period (1:41) on his only shot of the game. He played 8:25 but was in early foul trouble. Bruin alumnus Josh Samuels earned a starting nod and played 25:10, recording one steal while winning two sprints. He was 0-for-2 on shots. Up next for the Americans in Pool B is Spain on Aug. 8 at 7:40am PT.
The USA Men fell to Croatia 7-5 in their first match at the #OlympicGames RECAP: https://t.co/UeKxaOjJZY #waterpolo pic.twitter.com/0xDDyGulf8
— USA Water Polo (@USAWP) August 6, 2016
Women's Basketball
Bruin alumna Nirra Fields and ninth-ranked Team Canada got off to a great start in the Olympics, routing eighth-ranked China, 90-68. Fields came off the bench to play 9:11, registering two points, two assists and one rebound. The Canadians continue Pool B play on Monday, Aug. 8 when they take on Serbia at 10:15am PT.
Women's Rugby
In the Olympic debut of women's rugby sevens, Team USA, which is captained by UCLA alumna Kelly Griffin, lost to Fiji, 12-7, in match one. The U.S. rebounded nicely in match two, dominating Colombia, 48-0. Griffin played the full 14 minutes in the match.
Women's Soccer
Canada remained undefeated in Group F play after a 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe. UCLA freshman Jessie Fleming earned a start for the second consecutive game and had a hand in Canada's first two goals. On the first goal, she started the play with a pass to Christine Sinclair, who then hit Janine Beckie with a perfect pass. Beckie's first shot was saved, but she followed up on the rebound to make it 1-0 in the seventh minute. In the 19th minute, Fleming sent a great chip into the box to put Diana Matheson through, and Canada was awarded a penalty kick after the Zimbabwe goalkeeper fouled Matheson. Sinclair scored on the resulting penalty kick. Fleming, who played 71 minutes, had a shot on goal in the 67th minute, but it went wide. Canada wraps up group play on Tuesday, Aug. 9 with a match against Germany at 12pm PT.
Team USA, which is coached by former UCLA head coach Jill Ellis, also remained undefeated after a 1-0 win over France. UCLA incoming freshman Mal Pugh did not play. The U.S. secured a quarterfinal berth after New Zealand's 1-0 victory over Colombia. UCLA alumna Rosie White saw her first action of the 2016 Olympic Games, recording a shot on goal in 28 minutes of play. The U.S. will finish up group play against Colombia on Aug. 9 at 3pm PT. New Zealand still has a chance to advance with the U.S. to the knockout rounds and will need a good result against France on Aug. 9 to do so. The New Zealand-France match will take place at 3pm PT as well.
Brazil won big again in Group E, defeating Sweden, 5-1. UCLA goalkeeper coach Aline Reis did not play. With a quarterfinal spot clinched, the host team will play South Africa at 6pm PT on Aug. 9.
Women's Swimming
In the 100m Butterfly prelims, Ting Wen Quah of Singapore finished third in her heat and 35th overall with a time of 1:00.88. Quah missed the cut to advance to the semifinals.
Men's Tennis
In the first round of men's doubles, Marcin Matkowski and partner Lukasz Kubot of Poland dispatched India's Rohan Bopanna and Leander Paes in straight sets. After quickly winning the first set 6-4, Matkowski and Kubot struggled in the second as Bopanna and Laes forced a second-set tiebreaker. The Polish duo held on for the win, edging their opponents 7-6(6) to advance to the second round.
Women's Volleyball
The Karch Kiraly-led USA women's volleyball team swept Puerto Rico in its Rio debut, winning 25-17, 25-22, 25-17. UCLA alum Karsta Lowe appeared in two sets and recorded two kills in five attempts. Next up for Team USA is the Netherlands on Monday at 11 a.m. PT.
Bruins in the News
After 14 years and several injury recoveries, Dallas gymnast - and uneven bars wiz - Madison Kocian is ready for Rio - Dallas Morning News (Madison Kocian)
What a long strange trip it's been for rower Meaghan Volker - The Mercury (Meaghan Volker)
Atherton native KK Clark embarks for Rio Olympics - Mercury News (Vytas Mazeika)
Social Media Highlights
When Olympian and Bruin @samihillusa gives you a Waterpolo lesson while you're watching the game... ???????? #Igetitnow
— Samantha Peszek (@samanthapeszek) August 6, 2016
Players Mentioned
UTL
/ Men's Water PoloWednesday, June 24
Wednesday, June 17
Friday, June 12
Tuesday, June 09