July 26, 1999

WINNIPEG, Canada - The United States field hockey squad began its 1999 Pan American Games competition on Sunday by defeating Trinidad and Tobago, 2-0.

Former Virginia great Michelle Vizzuso started for the Americans, as did former Maryland standouts Kate Kauffman and Christine DeBow.

Current Maryland junior Carla Tagliente, who is the youngest member of the U.S. National Team, also saw action as a reserve.

The USA's Kelli James and Kate Barber scored five minutes apart in the first half.

Co-favorites Argentina and Canada also battled, with the Argentines taking a 3-1 victory to tie them with the USA at 1-0.

Next up for the U.S. team is a key game against host Canada on Tuesday at 1 p.m. MST, followed by a game against Argentina on Thursday.

This marks the fourth consecutive year Kauffman has played on the U.S. National team and the third straight year DeBow has been on the squad. Tagliente was on the 1997 U.S. National Team and was a reserve last season.

CURRENT PAN AM GAME STANDINGS

Team                 W     L     T
Argentina            1     0     0
U.S.                 1     0     0
Trinidad & Tobago    1     1     0
Cuba                 1     1     0
Canada               1     1     0
Mexico               0     1     0
Chile                0     1     0