MPSF Coaches Favor Denver in 2015
Jan. 29, 2015 2015 MPSF Lacrosse Coaches' Poll
The University of Denver finished with 79 points and seven first-place votes to place at the top of the 2015 MPSF Women's Lacrosse Coaches' poll. The Pioneers return seven starters from last year's MPSF Championship team who went 19-2 with an NCAA Tournament First-Round victory. Amongst the returnees are senior goalkeeper Hannah Hook, who ranked third nationally last year in save percentage (.510), and junior attacker Rachael McKinnon, who delivered 51 goals and 11 hat tricks. Stanford accumulated 75 points and the remaining three first-place votes in being picked for second. The Cardinal return eight starters from a 14-5 team which reached the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in the last five years. Ninety-two percent of the scoring returns, led by Rachel Ozer (34 G), Lucy Dikeou (31 G), and MPSF Player of the Year Hannah Farr (31 G). Taking third in the poll was USC with 65 points. The Trojans return all but one starter including all-conference selections Caroline de Lyra (28 G, 21 A) and midfielder Amanda Johansen (25 G, 55 DC). Fourth was Oregon with 53 points, welcoming back Carly O'Connell on offense (71 P) and Ali Scharkey on defense from the All-MPSF teams. After a stellar 11-win inaugural season which saw Colorado reach the conference semifinals, the Buffs bring back all 12 starters, led by Johnna Fusco's 62 points and MPSF Rookie of the Year Paige Soenksen, who ranked second in the nation in saves (203), save percentage (.525) and saves per game (10.68) in 2014. Placing sixth with 42 points was San Diego State, who reached its first-ever postseason game last year as an MPSF Quarterfinalist. The Aztecs will be experienced with nine seniors, including Christina Ricciardulli and Michaela Jarvis. Brooke Eubanks, meanwhile, takes over as head coach at California. Bella Huther returns for the Bears after a 44-goal season in 2014, as does two-time All-MPSF selection Gaby Christman (45 DC, 38 CT, 31 GB). UC Davis, Fresno State, and St. Mary's rounded out this year's poll. Back for the Aggies is all but one starter, including All-MPSF honoree Elizabeth Landry, who led the conference in goals (3.00) and points (4.13) per game as a junior. Amongst 16 players returning for the Bulldogs are top-point scorers Anjelica Fucillo (19 G, 6 A, 35 P) and Marcy Levatino (22 G, 8 A, 30 P). All-MPSF selection Megan Armes highlights the seven starters back for the Gaels, who started all 14 games last year with 32 ground balls, 22 draw controls, and 21 caused turnovers.
Fresno State hosts Occidental on January 31 to open the season, while the first MPSF Conference game takes place February 11, when Denver visits Colorado. The 2015 MPSF Championship Tournament, hosted by Denver, begins with quarterfinal action on April 30. The semifinals are on May 1, followed by the MPSF Championship game on May 3 with NCAA automatic entry on the line.