WATER POLO : U.S. Wins, Plays Italy for Title

The United States National water polo team opened the Alamo Cup with a workmanlike 13-6 victory over Canada Friday at El Toro High School.

With the victory, the U.S. advances to the tournament’s title match against Italy, at 5 p.m. today at Corona del Mar High School. Italy defeated the Commonwealth of Independent States, 12-11, in the other first-round match Friday.

Canada, which last month failed to qualify for the Barcelona Olympics, was overmatched against the Americans, who won the 1991 FINA Water Polo World Cup.

Nevertheless, the Canadians trailed only 4-3 two minutes into the second quarter. But the U.S. outscored the Canadians, 4-1, to close out the quarter and the Americans’ lead was never cut to fewer than four goals.

Kirk Everist and Doug Kimbell each scored three goals for the U.S. Mike Wilmink had three for Canada.