After blazing through the first couple rounds of predictions, I struggled with my picks for the water polo semifinals, going just 5-3. The picks don’t get any easier for what should be a great Saturday of water polo finals. But I’m to press on and finish what I started:

Division 1

Newport def. CdM (I wonder if the Sailors peaked in the semifinals but I still like the Sailors’ strength at 2-meter offense and defense and in goal with Harrington. And despite their 8-5 victory against Santa Barbara, they can shoot better than they did in the semifinals. The Haralabidis twins are difference-makers who can raise their games, so the Sea Queens will be make this a one-goal game. Key matchup to watch: Outside shooters Cassidy Papa, Stephania Haralabidis vs. Cleo Harrington. The potential loss of Maddie Musselman (injured) also is a big factor.)

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