Edison, NJ - The Iona College Gaels have been selected as the MAAC preseason favorite and the team to beat during the 2013 MAAC Water Polo season, according to the annual poll voted on by the leagues’ head coaches.
The Gaels, who have captured the past two MAAC Water Polo championships, received 46 points and also earned 5 out of the total 7 first place votes. Iona went 11-1 in conference matches last season and 25-13 overall. Head coach Brian Kelly, will be looking to guide the Gaels to their fourth MAAC Championship.
Wagner finished second in the poll with 42 points and 2 first place votes. Marist was third with 37 points. Villanova University was fourth (23pts) followed by St Francis College (NY) in fifth (20pts). Siena (18pts) and VMI (10pts) finished sixth and seventh, respectively.
Iona College standout Amy Olsen was named the 2013 MAAC Water Polo Preseason Player of the Year for the second year in a row. Olsen, a 2012 All-MAAC First Team selection, tallied 98 points (81g, 15a) last season.
Alongside Olsen on the All-MAAC team are her two teammates Alyssa Turza and Erika Lauraitis. Joining Iona’s trio on the All-MAAC team is another trio from Marist with Jessica Hamby, Alison Hamby, and Robyn Crabtree. Regina Toth of St. Francis (N.Y.) rounds the members of the All-MAAC team. The preseason selection for top goalkeeper went to Marist’s Rebecca Thomas.
Preseason Coaches’ Poll
|
1. |
Iona |
46 |
|
2. |
Wagner |
42 |
|
3. |
Marist |
37 |
|
4. |
Villanova |
23 |
|
5. |
St. Francis (N.Y.) |
20 |
|
6. |
Siena |
18 |
|
7. |
VMI |
10 |
Preseason All-MAAC Team
|
Amy Olsen |
Iona |
|
Alyssa Turza |
Iona |
|
Erika Lauraitis |
Iona |
|
Jessica Hamby |
Marist |
|
Alison Hamby |
Marist |
|
Robyn Crabtree |
Marist |
|
Regina Toth |
St. Francis (N.Y.) |
Preseason Players of the Year
|
Amy Olsen |
Iona |
Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year
|
Rebecca Thomas |
Marist |
