Boys water polo: Newport Harbor third at Santa Barbara

SANTA BARBARA - Newport Harbor High’s boys water polo team came

oh-so-close to an upset of the United States National “B” team in the

semifinals of the Santa Barbara Invitational at UCSB last weekend before

it won third-place.

In a taught double-overtime battle, the U.S. pulled out an 11-10 win

over the Sailors. Ryan Cook led Newport’s attack with five goals. Peter

Belden chipped in three goals. Brendan Hansen and Caine Littrell each

scored once for Newport. Sailors goalie Brendan McClain made eight saves.

After the tough loss, Newport hammered Coronado Peninsula, 9-3. Cook

again had five goals. Belden scored twice and Hansen and Brian Pentz each

had a goal. Sean Johnson made 14 saves to stifle Coronado Peninsula.

In its first two games, Newport defeated Spanish club team Equipo

Mediterani and Tualatin Hills from Oregon.