Another Powers' Hat Trick Leads USA into Gold-Medal Game at Pan Am Games
October 27, 2011 | Men's Water Polo
GUADALAJARA, Mexico --- UC Irvine alum Jeff Powers recorded his second consecutive hat trick to lead Team USA into the gold-medal game at the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, Mexico.
Powers and the Americans defeated Cuba, 12-2, in a semifinal game Thursday at Scotiabank Aquatics Center. His three goals came on six shot attempts.
The U.S. will play Canada for the gold Saturday, with the winner earning a berth in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. The Canadians defeated Brazil, 8-6, in Thursday's other semifinal.
'Eater alums Ryan Bailey and Tim Hutten added one goal each in the semifinal victory as the USA outscored the Cubans, 6-0, in the first half.
Bailey has played on the last three U.S. Olympic teams, Powers the past two and Hutten was on the 2008 squad. The three alums each earned multiple All-America honors while competing for the `Eaters.
Hutten was the 2008 recipient of the prestigious Peter J. Cutino Award given annually to the top player in the NCAA.
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