Stanford Tops Women's Water Polo Poll
Jan. 13, 2011
Complete Release in PDF Format
For the second year in a row, Stanford claimed the top spot in the annual MPSF Preseason Women's Water Polo Coaches' poll. The Cardinal picked up 47 points and six first place votes. National runner-up a year ago with a 26-3 record and a perfect 7-0 MPSF regular season, all-conference honorees Melissa Seidemann and Annika Dries return, as does Kim Krueger and goalkeeper Amber Oland. Defending National Champion USC placed second in the poll with 43 points and one first place vote. Three All-Americans are back for the Trojans, including 2010 MPSF Newcomer of the Year Patricia Jancso, Joelle Bekhazi, and Kristen Dronberger. Hawaii earned 35 points and one first place vote to finish third in the poll. The Rainbow Wahine tied for third in the conference in 2010, led by returning conference scoring leader Monika Eggens and All-MPSF selections Leonie Van Der Molen and Carmen Eggens. UCLA completed the top half of the poll, just one point behind Hawaii. Ninety-seven percent of 2010 Bruin scoring returns this year, led by seniors Grace Reynolds, Priscilla Orozco, and Kelly Easterday. California took fifth with 26 points, coming off a third place MPSF and NCAA Semifinal season. San Jose State collected 14 points, followed by Arizona State with 13 and San Diego State 12. The 2011 season begins the weekend of Jan. 21 for several MPSF teams, while the first conference showdown takes place on Feb. 3 when Hawaii visits San Jose State.
1. Stanford
2. USC
3. Hawaii
4. UCLA
5. California
6. San Jose State
7. Arizona State
8. San Diego State