Stanford on Top of Coaches' Poll
Jan. 4, 2017 2017 MPSF Women's Water Polo Coaches' Poll
For the first time in the history of the MPSF Women's Water Polo Coaches' poll, four teams earned a first-place vote. In the end of the 2017 edition, it was Stanford for the third-straight year and seventh in the last eight who finished on top, collecting 33 points and four placements at No. 1. The Cardinal returns seven 20-goal scorers from the 2016 NCAA Finals team, including All-Americans Jamie Neushul, Jordan Raney, Kat Klass, Dani Jackovich, and goalkeeper Julia Hermann. Added to that group are a pair of United States Olympic Gold Medalists in 2015 national player of the year Maggie Steffens and freshman Makenzie Fischer, as well as two-time All-American goalkeeper Gabby Stone.
Defending NCAA Champion USC placed second in the poll with 30 points and one first-place vote. Returning from an undefeated season are all but two members of the roster, including Cutino Award winner Stephania Haralabidis and fellow All-Americans Brigitta Games, goalkeeper Amanda Longan, Ioanna Haralabidis, Brianna Daboub and Avery Peterson.
UCLA finished third with 28 points and one first-place vote. All-Americans Rachel Fattal, Kodi Hill, and Alys Williams-members of the 2014-15 NCAA runner-up teams-return for their senior seasons after redshirting to train with the U.S. National Team.
California finished in the middle of the pack with 23 points and the final first-place vote, returning six All-Americans to the 2017 roster, including Olympians Dora Antal (two-time first team All-American), Anna Illes, and Roser Tarrago.
Arizona State picked up 16 points to place fifth, coming off an NCAA Tournament appearance last year. Maud Koopman is back from a 35-goal, 32-assist season, as is Mia Rycraw in goal after stopping 66 percent of the shots she faced last year.
San Jose State (11) and CSU Bakersfield (6) complete this year's poll. Highlighting the Spartans' returnees are All-MPSF and All-Newcomer selection Carla Toha Vilanova (53 goals), along with Donia Momen (37 goals). The Roadrunners return six starters, including all-conference honoree Nicola Barrett (36 goals, 28 assists) and leading scorer Ashley Paz (52 goals).
First sprint to the 2017 season is January 14, before the first of 21 total MPSF Conference games kicks-off February 11. UCLA is this year's site of the MPSF Championship Tournament (April 28-30), where all seven teams will compete for a conference title and entry to the NCAA Tournament (Indianapolis, IN; May 12-14). Since the inaugural season of MPSF Women's Water Polo in 1996, the MPSF has captured all 21 national championships.