SYDNEY – Four Bruins competed at the 2026 World Aquatics Women’s Water Polo World Cup, with three of them ultimately earning medals. Rachel Fattal and Emma Lineback helped Team USA win gold.

Also in action were Bronte Halligan of host Australia, which won bronze, and Bia Mantellato of Italy. Ryann Neushul, who served as an assistant coach for UCLA women’s water polo in 2026, also starred for the Americans. UCLA Athletic Hall of Famer Adam Krikorian helmed the group and was assisted by Bruin alumnae Natalie Benson and Molly Cahill, while UCLA assistant Matt Kubeck was the video coach.

Team USA beat Spain 13-9 in Saturday’s final. Fattal, UCLA’s all-time steals leader and a four-time first-team ACWPC All-America honoree from 2013-17, scored twice in the championship game. She added another goal in the semifinals.

Also scoring in the penultimate round was Lineback, who completed her own decorated collegiate career with the Bruins in 2026. All three of UCLA’s medal winners scored in that game, as Halligan (2017-19) led the Australians with a pair in their 10-6 defeat. Australia bounced back to beat Russia 12-9 for bronze.

The Americans had won four consecutive golds in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2023 before failing to qualify in 2025.