Stanford Favored in MPSF Preseason Poll
Jan. 27, 2011
Complete Release in PDF Format
Stanford collected the maximum totals of 36 points and six first place votes to earn the top spot in the 2011 MPSF Women's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Cardinal has won the last six MPSF Championships, making two NCAA Tournament appearances in that stretch (2006, 2010). Returning is two-time conference player of the year and All-American Lauren Schmidt, along with All-MPSF selections Sarah Flynn, Paige Farmakis, and goalkeeper Annie Read. 2010 regular season conference winner and tournament runner-up Denver placed second in this year's poll with 31 points and one top vote. The Pioneers return all-conference honorees Kara Secora (2010 newcomer of the year), Lauren Ciccomascolo, Tulley Stapp, and goalkeeper Ashley Harman. With 23 points apiece and tying for the No. 3 spot in this year's poll is California and Oregon. The Bears and Ducks did exactly that a year ago, along with UC Davis, who checks in at No. 5 with 17 points. Cal returns all-conference selections Vail Horn and goalkeeper Allie Shropshire, as well as junior attacker Tara Arolla. Back for UO are first-team All-MPSF players Jana Drummond, Colleen Taggart, and Alex Breiner, along with second-teamer Jess Drummond. The Aggies return leading scorer and first-teamer Gina Hoffmire, Christina Corsa, and draw control leader Hannah Mirza. St. Mary's picked up 11 points followed by Fresno State with six. Mariah Walk returns for the Gaels, leading the team with 29 goals and 38 points in 2010. Senior defender Krisdina Gehring became the first Bulldog ever to earn an all-conference award, named to the second team a year ago. The 2011 season begins on Feb. 11 as Notre Dame visits California, while the Bears also host the first MPSF game two days later against UC Davis.
School - Votes 1. Stanford - 36 (6) 2. Denver - 31 (1) 3T. California- 23 3T. Oregon - 23 5. UC Davis- 17 6. Saint Mary's - 11 7. Fresno State - 6