LOS ANGELES – The Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) has released their 2018 Presesason Coaches Poll. Loyola Marymount received 34 points, to place the Lions in a tie for third of eight.

"The poll situation reflects our finish from last year," said Head Coach John Loughran. "I think we are still a young team and we are confident in our ability to compete in our conference for a championship. There is a lot for us to continue to improve on. Right now seeded third could be accurate, but as we continue to get better we could finish as the best team in the conference."

UC Davis claimed seven of the eight first place votes to finish at the top of the list, and was followed by UC San Diego and their one first place vote. Cal Baptist shares the third spot with LMU, both 12 points ahead of Air Force. Santa Clara, Concordia, and Fresno Pacific round out the six through eight spots.
 
Poll Results – Points (First Place Votes)
1. UC Davis - 49 (7)
2. UC San Diego - 42 (1)
T3. Cal Baptist - 34
T3. Loyola Marymount - 34
5. Air Force - 22
6. Santa Clara - 20
7. Concordia - 16
8. Fresno Pacific - 7
 
The 2018 season opens this weekend as the Lions travel south to participate in UC San Diego's Triton Invitational. Saturday's game times and opponents are set with LMU opening the year with UC Santa Barbara at 1:40 and closing out the day against Redlands at 5:40 pm. Both games will be played at Canyonview Pool on the campus of UC San Diego.