USA cadet team, featuring three locals, shocks host Serbia in Darko Cukic tourney

The USA Water Polo Cadet men’s national team upended host Serbia, 8-7, on Friday to stay perfect in the Darko Cucic Memorial Tournament in Belgrade.

Earlier Friday, the team beat Australia, 16-4. The U.S. cadet team is now 5-0 in the tournament, having already recorded wins over Malta, Slovakia and Moldova.

Newport Harbor High incoming sophomore center Ike Love and defender Reed Stemler, as well as Corona del Mar incoming sophomore Tanner Pulice, are all contributors for Team USA.

The U.S. team plays the Netherlands at 5:20 a.m. Pacific time Saturday to close out group play. A win would secure a spot in Sunday’s tournament title game.

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Twitter: @mjszabo