USC Tops 2017 Coaches' Poll
Jan. 24, 2017 2017 MPSF Lacrosse Coaches' Poll
The University of Southern California collected the maximum possible totals of 64 points and eight first-place votes to finish at the top of the 2017 MPSF Women's Lacrosse Coaches' Poll. The Trojans became the first-ever MPSF Lacrosse team to reach the NCAA Quarterfinals last year, setting new conference records for wins (20) and winning streak (20 consecutive), along with a No. 5 ranking in the IWLCA Coaches' poll. Last year's NCAA goals-against average leader Gussie Johns (6.04 gaa) begins her third season as the netminder, while the nation's top defense from 2016 (5.80 gaa) also brings back Nina Kelty (24gb, 14ct) and Lydia Sutton (37gb, 28ct). On offense, senior attacker Kylie Drexel (40g, 18a) returns as does the program's all-time leading goal-scorer and 2015 MPSF Player of the Year Michaela Michael (21g, 31a, 107dc)ââ'¬¦Stanford placed second in the poll, earning a No. 1 vote with 56 points. The Cardinal comes off a sixth NCAA Tournament appearance in the last seven years, and brings back All-American and leading-scorer Kelsey Murray as well as MPSF Rookie of the Year Anna Salemo. All-MPSF Goalkeeper Allie DaCar returns as wellââ'¬¦Colorado was picked for third with 51 points, bringing back 11 starters from a 13-win season and MPSF Semifinal finish. Amongst the returnees are All-MPSF selections Marie Moore (midfielder), Sarah Brown (defender), Darby Kiernan (attacker), Paige Soenksen (goalkeeper) and Johnna Fusco (attacker)ââ'¬¦.Oregon took fourth in the poll with 38 points, just ahead of UC Davis, who was close behind in the middle of the conference with 36 points. Back for the Ducks to open the Katrina Dowd era is Cambi Cukar, who earned first-team All-MPSF after setting the single-season school record with 46 assists. Shannon Williams also returns after leading the team with 30 goals last yearââ'¬¦The Aggies, meanwhile, come off their first conference tournament appearance since 2010. They return two of their top offensive players in sophomores Taylor Cuenin (All-MPSF second team, 23g) and Shannon Cross (16g)ââ'¬¦San Diego State, who just missed the postseason a year ago, is projected to reach the conference tournament this year at No. 6. Twenty-one Aztecs' return, including seniors Kristen Hickey, Vickie Porter and Alex Watson. That trio combined for 47 goals a year ago, accounting for 37 percent of the team's scoring production.
California (23), Fresno State (20), and St. Mary's (8) complete this year's coaches' poll. The Bears return their top four scorers from 2016 ââ'¬" Jena Fritts (10g, 20a, 30p), Elizabeth Pellechi, Meredith Haggerty, and Chloe Landry, along with All-MPSF Goalkeeper Jenny Wilkensââ'¬¦Amongst the Bulldogs' returnees are a couple of important pieces in Nicole Ortlieb (FS record 34 goals) and All-MPSF honoree Caroline Dineen-Carlson (all-time school draw control leader, 112)ââ'¬¦For the Gaels, Hanna Dalrymple and senior Meagan Bennett return after leading in scoring last season with 18 and 13 points, respectively.
The 2017 season begins on February 4. Each team plays eight conference games, with the top-six finishers in the final standings advancing to the MPSF Championship Tournament, hosted by USC (April 27-30).