Newport Harbor athletes win medals for Team USA at FINA Intercontinental Cup

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. — Three of Newport Harbor’s high school water polo athletes — that are all CIF Players of the Year coached by Ross Sinclair — competed earlier this month for the national team to represent Team USA at the Pan American Games held in Lima, Peru.

The FINA Intercontinental Cup competition began on March 7th. According to USAWaterpolo.org, “This is the same city where both teams claimed gold at the 2019 Pan American Games. The event serves as a qualifier for the upcoming FINA World League Super Final with the top four teams securing spots for the event later this year.”

Ben Liechty, a junior this year took home the Gold Medal. He is the only junior and high school player on the roster and the youngest player.

Morgan Netherton took home the bronze for Team USA. She is a second-generation water polo champion. Her dad played water polo at USC and on the national team. Morgan will be attending USC next year.

Taylor Smith also took home the bronze medal and will be attending UCLA next year.

Newport Harbor High School’s exchange student, Bia Mantellato, who played for Team Brazil won fourth place and will be going to the University of Hawaii next year.

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