Stanford Tops 2012 MPSF Women's Lacrosse Coaches' Poll

1/24/2012 12:00:00 AM

Jan. 24, 2012

Stanford picked up 48 points and six first place votes to earn the top spot in the 2012 MPSF Women's Lacrosse Preseason Coaches' Poll. The Cardinal has won the last seven MPSF Championships, appearing in three NCAA Tournaments in that span (2006, 2010, 2011). Returning in the midfield is 2011 MPSF Newcomer of the Year Anna Kim and conference tournament Most Valuable Player Lyndsey Munoz in goal. Emilie (27G/12A) and Anna Boeri (17G/19A) are also back. Only four points out of first in the poll is Oregon, collecting the remaining two top votes. The Ducks reached the MPSF Championship game last year, as Kristina Barrett (24A/52P), and Jana (36G) and Jess Drummond (34G/15CT/31DC) return from all-conference seasons. On the heels of a second place regular season, Denver came in third, posting 35 points. Two-time all-conference Ashley Harman and Kara Secora highlight the returnees, as the former was third in the MPSF last year in save percentage (.422) and the latter leading in assists (2.06 A/G) and third in points per game (4.33). California scored 33 points to finish in the top half of the poll. Tara Arolla (36G/39DC), Megan Takacs (32G/16A/48P), and Tori Harrison (33 GB/12CT/8DC) return from the All-MPSF squads. UC Davis took fifth with 24 points, having won 10 games in 2011. All-MPSF Defender Vanessa Jamison, along with Hannah Mirza (UCD record 58 DC) and Elizabeth Datino (30G/16A) are back for the Aggies. St. Mary's finished with 16 points, one point ahead of first-year program San Diego State (15) and seven ahead of Fresno State (9). All-MPSF members Jilian Chong (26G/35P) and Mariah Walk (27G/35P/39DC) return to Moraga, along with 20-goal scorer Juliet Munroe. Maryland transfer Meris Walsh and Australian U19 member Isabelle Pickett expect to help jumpstart the Aztecs, while Briana Hetherington and Natalie Harrington are each coming off 15-point seasons in the Bulldog midfield. The 2012 season begins Feb. 10 with defending NCAA Champion Northwestern visiting Stanford. The Cardinal host the 2012 MPSF Semifinals and championship game, April 27 & 29.

Place - Team - Votes

1. Stanford - 48 (6)

2. Oregon - 44 (2)

3. Denver - 35

4. California - 33

5. UC Davis - 24

6. Saint Mary's - 16

7. San Diego State - 15

8. Fresno State - 9