Olympics: Mikulak, U.S. men fall short

Team USA, ranked fifth in the world, continues Pool B play Tuesday against Germany at 8:45 a.m. PT.

Former UCI All-American David Smith, a middle blocker, made his Olympic debut as a substitute in the opening set.

Team USA, coached by former Orange Coast College standout Alan Knipe, also includes backup setter Brian Thornton, a former UCI All-American.

WOMEN'S WATER POLO

The U.S. women's water polo team, including backup goalie Tumua Anae, a Corona del Mar High product, defeated Hungary, 14-13, on Monday in their first Group A match.

Team USA, with seven players back from the team that won a silver medal in Beijing in 2008, is listed along with Australia, as favorites to win the gold in London. The U.S. has won a medal in every Olympic women's tournament. It won silver in 2000 and 2008 and won a bronze in 2004.

WOMEN'S ROWING

Newport Harbor High product Esther Lofgren contributed to the U.S. women's eight winning its heat in the opening round of competition Sunday to qualify for the final on Thursday.

The U.S. boat, with Lofgren in the No. 6 seat, completed the 2,000-meter course in six minutes, 14.68 seconds, besting runner-up Australia by nearly seven seconds on Dorney Lake.

The U.S. women's eight is unbeaten in six years and is the prohibitive favorite to win gold on Thursday.

WOMEN'S CYCLING

In the women's cycling road race Sunday, Amber Neben, who owns a master's degree from UC Irvine, finished 36th in a time of three hours, 36 minutes, 20 seconds in the 140-kilometer event held in rainy conditions.

Neben will compete in the time trial Wednesday.

— From staff reports