Belden goes for gold

The U.S. national women’s water polo team — which includes Newport Harbor High alumna Anne Belden — defeated China, 10-9, Saturday in the semifinals of the FINA World Cup in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The victory propels the Americans into the title match against Australia, as Team USA assured itself its first World Cup medal since 2002.

It was the first time in five games that Belden, who also starred at UCLA, has not scored. She had three goals in three games and a single tally in another previously in the tournament.

— From staff reports