Jan. 26, 2010
Los Angeles, CA (Jan. 25, 2010) - Loyola Marymount, who returns three All-Americans from last year's title team, has been selected to repeat as Western Water Polo Association champions as selected by the coaches in the 2010 WWPA Preseason Coaches released Tuesday, Jan. 25.
The Lions earned 80 total points and eight first place votes to be the favorite to earn their eighth WWPA title in 10 years, as voted on by the 10 head coaches of the WWPA. Cal State Bakersfield, who earned the other two first place votes, has been chosen to finish second with 70 total points.
Out of the 14 players who earned first or second-team All-WWPA honors in 2009, only five return in 2010. LMU's Anne Scott, the 2009 WWPA Newcomer of the Year, is the only first-team selection returning while teammate Diana Romero is one of four second-team All-WWPA selections returning. Romero and Scott along with Casey Flacks earned All-American honors a year ago and are a part of an experienced squad returning for the Lions.
Rounding out the top-five of this year's poll is Santa Clara, UC San Diego and Sonoma State. The Broncos, who played in their first-ever WWPA title game a year ago, have been picked third with 63 points. UC San Diego, who is led by 2009 second-team All-WWPA selection Stephanie Heinrich, earned 58 points to earn the fourth spot. Sonoma State, who played in their first WWPA semifinals last year and returns second-team All-WWPA selection Laurel Stricklin, is picked fifth with 50 points.
Colorado State (43 points), Cal State East Bay (29 points), Cal State Monterey Bay (25 points), Cal State San Bernardino (22 points) and Chapman (10 points) round out spots six through 10. The Rams' Allison Pavlik rounds out the returning All-WWPA selections, earning second-team in 2009.
The 2010 Western Water Polo Women's Championship will be held April 30 - May 2 at Cal State Bakersfield.
2010 WWPA Women's Preseason Coaches' Poll
1. Loyola Marymount - 80 points (8 first place votes)
2. Cal State Bakersfield - 70 (2)
3. Santa Clara - 63
4. UC San Diego - 58
5. Sonoma State - 50
6. Colorado State - 43
7. Cal State East Bay - 29
8. Cal State Monterey Bay - 25
9. Cal State San Bernardino - 22
10. Chapman - 10
- WWPA -
