USC Tops Close MPSF Coaches' Poll
Jan. 6, 2014
2014 MPSF Women's Water Polo Coaches' Poll PDF Release
In the closest MPSF Preseason Women's Water Polo Coaches' Poll in the seven-year history of the survey dating to 2008, defending national champion USC collected 34 points and four first-place votes in the 2014 edition to edge Stanford's 33 points and three top votes. This year's coaches' poll outcome marked the first No. 1 finish for the Trojans since 2009, snapping the four-year run by the Cardinal. USC returns 2013 MPSF Player of the Year and All-American Monica Vavic, who poured in 77 goals last year with an MPSF-High 2.75 per game, along with All-Americans Flora Bolonyai at goalkeeper (5.09 goals-against average), Kaleigh Gilchrist, Madeline Rosenthal, and Kelly Mendoza. Stanford, back-to-back NCAA Champions in 2011-12, welcomes back All-Americans Kaley Dodson, Maggie Steffens, Annika Dries, and Kiley Neushul. The Cardinal has turned in four consecutive unbeaten conference seasons, a 27-0 record since the MPSF opener in 2010. Placing third in this year's poll is UCLA with 26 points. Back for the Bruins are All-American Becca Dorst, MPSF Newcomer of the Year Rachel Fattal, and all-conference selections Emily Donohoe and Sami Hill in goal. California placed fourth with 20 points, as Ashley Young is the top returning scorer for the Bears. Arizona State (16), San Jose State (12), and Bakersfield (6) rounded out the poll. The first official sprint to the 2014 season is Saturday, January 11, before the conference schedule begins on March 1. This year's MPSF Championship (April 25-27) and NCAA Tournaments (May 9-11) are both hosted by USC.