STOCKTON, CALIF. – In a huge victory for the Cal men's water polo program, the Golden Bears defeated six-time NCAA champion USC, 11-10, Sunday in the third place match of the Kap 7 NorCal Classic in Stockton. Kirk Everist's squad was led by junior Colin Mulcahy's three goals and 10 saves from senior goalie Jon Sibley.

With the win, Cal improved to 8-1 on the year and defeated a Trojans' squad that had captured the NCAA title every year since Everist's squad won back-to-back national crowns over USC in 2006 and 2007.

Along with Mulcahy's three goals, the Bears also had two goals from senior All-American Aleksa Saponjic and sophomore Chandler Jarrels-Stickney. Freshman Luca Cupido led Cal with three assists to complete the important win.

The Bears had owned an 11-5 advantage entering the fourth period, but was able to hold off the USC threat to capture the important win.

“Today was a great learning experience for this team,” said Everist. “We had some great moments and we struggled at times. It was a good team win as we got some great contributions from everyone.”

In the morning semifinal versus No. 1 Stanford, Cupido had scored three goals in an 11-8 loss to the Cardinal.

The Bears had reached the tournament semifinals by defeating Santa Clara, 19-4, and No. 5-ranked Long Beach State, 8-6, Saturday.

Cal will next host Navy in a non-conference match televised by the Pac-12 Networks on Friday, Sept. 26 at 12:30 p.m. at Spieker Aquatics Complex.