Jan. 17, 2013

The Last Meeting

California Baptist	6
Loyola Marymount	14

February 7, 2009
La Jolla, CA

Water Polo Opens Season With Two Wins The 11th-ranked Loyola Marymount women's water polo opened the 2009 season with a pair of wins at the UC San Diego Triton Invitational in La Jolla, CA. The Lions opened with a 14-6 win over Cal Baptist and then knocked off No. 15 Long Beach State in overtime, 9-8.

Recap

Lions' All-Access: Season Preview • The Upperclassmen • The Underclassmen | 2013 WWP Schedule | LMU on Facebook | LMU on Twitter

LOS ANGELES -- There are 21 members on the roster of the 2013 LMU women's water polo team, 15 of them are underclassmen and 13 of them were not in a Lion uniform during its 2012 title run. And for Head Coach Kyle Witt, he couldn't more excited for this team and the season.

"I really, really like this team," said Witt, who enters his fourth season at the helm of the Lions. "We are very young and have a bunch of new faces, but I am very excited for what we can accomplish. They have been working very hard heading into the season and this entire team is understanding the expectations we have here for LMU water polo. That is to prepare ourselves to win the WWPAs and to challenge for a national championship."

Coach Witt sat down with Lions' All-Access to preview the 2013 season. He talks about the season overall and then breaks down his young roster.

• Season Overview
• The Upperclassmen
• The Freshman & Sophomores

The Lions have 10 freshman and three sophomore transfers new to the team. In addition, two returning sophomores - WWPA All-Freshmen selections Laura Lopez and Mackenzie Beck - give the Lions their 15 underclassmen.

Its not all brand new, as the Lions return All-Americans Erin Manke and Alexandra Honny, who will be asked to be leaders this coming season. The Lions also return starter Jessica Morelos, along with senior Morgan Bonk, and juniors Kassandra Smith and Kiara Cerda.

The talent of the incoming players along with the established returning players have the Lions tabbed by the WWPA coaches as the favorite to win the WWPA title this season. In addition, the Lions debut at No. 8 in the national coaches' poll.

LMU will open their season on Saturday, Jan. 19 when they host the LMU Opening Weekend Tournament. They will face Cal Baptist at 10:30 a.m., before playing Cal State San Bernardino (12 noon) and Cal Baptist (3 pm) in exhibition games later in the day. The special Season Ticket Scarf is available for the Lions' 2013 season, visit LMU Tickets for more information.