Local prep stars to play against top college teams

Local water polo will be well represented at this weekend’s Collegiate Cup women’s tournament in Irvine.

Four current prep standouts are competing as members of the USA Water Polo Academy team. It is in the field with eight top college women’s teams. The academy squad includes Paige Hauschild of San Marcos, Abrielle Hill and Ryann Neushul of Dos Pueblos and Grace Raisin of Santa Barbara High. They are part of the USA Water Polo’s Olympic Development Program.

Some of the college teams have local representation. From Santa Barbara High, Kelsey O’Brien plays for UCLA and Madeline Trabucco is the goalie for Cal; Jenna Phreaner of San Marcos plays goalie for UC Irvine.

The tournament begins Saturday at 8 a.m., at the William Woollett Aquatics Center. That evening at 6:30, the USA Women’s Water Polo senior team takes on China in an exhibition game. The USA squad includes local players Kami Craig (SBHS alum), Kiley Neushul (Dos Pueblos alum) and Sami Hill (DP alum).