Jan. 18, 2008

Complete Release in PDF Format

WOODLAND, Calif. - The San Diego State women's water polo team was picked to finish sixth in the 2008 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation (MPSF) regular season standings, as announced by the league office on Friday.

SDSU is coming off a remarkable 2007 season in which it compiled a school-record 29 victories. The Aztecs also made their first-ever appearance at the NCAA championships, where they finished fourth.

Defending national champion UCLA topped the poll with 132 points and 11 first-place votes. USC (116) took the second spot, while California (one first-place vote) and Stanford each totaled 107 points for a third-place tie.

The Aztecs, who checked in with 78 points, finished just behind Hawai'i (96), while San Jose State took seventh with 71 points. Rounding out the poll were Arizona State, UC Irvine, Long Beach State, UC Santa Barbara, Cal State Northridge and Pacific.

In 2008, SDSU will look to junior All-Americans Jenna Schuster and Anna Gonzales to lead the way. Schuster topped all Aztec scorers last year with 84 goals and was third on the team with 50 steals. Gonzales also had a productive year finishing with 80 goals, 33 steals and 55 assists.

Also returning this year are senior Becca Ur (28 goals, 36 steals) and junior Erinn Greenwood (45 goals, 45 steals, 44 assists).

San Diego State will open the 2008 campaign at home with a 2 p.m. match against Hartwick on Thursday, Feb. 7. The Aztecs will also be hosting the MPSF championships at the Aztec Aquaplex from Apr. 24-27.

2008 MPSF Preseason Coaches' Poll
Rk.	Team (first-place votes)	Points
1.	UCLA (11)			132
2.	USC           		        116
3. 	California (1) 			107
3. 	Stanford			107
5. 	Hawai'i      	                96
6. 	San Diego State     		78
7. 	San Jose State			71
8. 	Arizona State    	        59
9.	UC Irvine			56
10.     Long Beach State                42
11.     UC Santa Barbara                34
12.     Cal State Northridge            27
13.     Pacific                         11