July 24, 2009 - 12:58am
The U.S. Women's Junior National Team (19-and-Under, or U19), two-time defending World Champions, entered their opening preliminary round match today in Bangkok as overwhelming favorites, not having tasted defeat since 2001, when they lost to the Czech Republic, the host nation, in the semifinals. Two hours later, a spunky Spanish team that refused to be awed by the Americans' reputation, had handed Team USA a stunning upset, taking the match 90-86 after running up a first-half lead of as much as 17 points.
