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Jan. 31, 2008

Los Angeles, CA (Jan. 31) -- Chemistry is defined as a groups' emotional and psychological interaction - the way they interact, combine and change with one another- especially when experienced as a powerful force. For the Loyola Marymount women's water polo team, that chemistry has led to a powerful force as they have won six of the last seven Western Water Polo Association Championships, including another title in 2007.

The defending champs return in 2008 with a new mixture of talent, once again looking to their team chemistry to lead them to their seventh WWPA title.

"We are once again very excited about the chemistry and work ethic of this team," said Head Coach John Loughran, who enters his 11th season at the helm of the Lions. "I have the confidence that they will work hard to put themselves in the position for another WWPA title and a chance for a national championship."

While the Lions' sixth WWPA title was shouldered by experienced leadership, the 2008 edition will be all about youth. "We are young," said Loughran, whose Lions return just one starter from last year. "We will have a big learning curve as the younger players gain experience and the older players fill roles vacated by the players who graduated."

LMU graduated five starters and seven total letter winners from last year's team that went 27-7 overall and 11-1 in the WWPA. In addition, All-WWPA goalie and LMU Newcomer of the Year Kaylee Caster (Goalie, 5-10, El Cajon, CA) will redshirt this season.

The Lions have been picked to finish second by the annual Western Water Polo Association Preseason Coaches' Poll. They were edged out by UC Davis by just one point as both teams split the 12 first place votes.

"While we are replacing spots in our rotation, we have some key players returning and I am excited by the way our young players our progressing," said Loughran. "Again, this team has great chemistry, and that will really help us as we take steps to another title."

The one returning starter will be a key piece for the Lions. Junior Nicole Hughes (Driver, 5-11, Lafayette, CA) led the Lions in scoring a year ago and has played within the U.S. National Team program. Hughes scored 66 goals in playing all 34 games as a true sophomore in 2007. She added 10 assists with 42 ejections drawn, 33 steals and 14 field blocks.

"Hughes is one of the better players in the nation," said Loughran. "She has the talent and skills to lead us to another championship. We will need her to rise as a leader of this team."

Hughes is not alone as Loughran believes one of the strengths of this year's team is the "supporting cast." The Lions have a roster with seven seniors, led by defender Alex Wike (2-Meter, 6-4, Manhattan Beach, CA), attacker Daisy Fish (Driver, 5-6, Devon, England), and fifth-year seniors Alissa Volosin (2-Meter, 5-9, El Segundo, CA) and Crisara Abrams (Utility, 5-10, La Jolla, CA). The remaining seniors for the Lions are Sheena Carter (Driver, 5-7, Rancho Cucamonga, CA), Charis Ceniseroz (Driver, 5-7, Whittier, CA), and Keely Wimer (Driver, 5-7, Long Grove, IL).

"Alex will need to be a leader on defense for us while Daisy will need to provide senior leadership on offense," said Loughran. "As fifth year seniors, Alissa and Crisara will need to have more prominent roles. Alissa is a strong presence at two-meter while Crisara has proven to be a solid utility player."

In 2007, Wike finished the season with 29 steals while Fish had 15 goals. Volosin missed 2007 due to a knee injury while Abrams scored 20 goals while playing in 30 games. As for Carter, Ceniseroz and Wimer, they combined to play 32 games last year with nine combined goals.

In addition to the leadership of the seniors, the Lions return a key group of sophomores and juniors. Sophomore Eliana Arellano (Goalie, 5-3, Commerce, CA) will be the Lions starting goalie, taking over for the injured Caster. Arellano showed promise as a true freshman in 2007, playing in 12 games and making 21 saves.

"Eliana will be our starter this season. She made great improvements last season and challenge Kaylee as the season progressed. She continued to make strides this off season and we are very excited to have her as a starter in goal," said Loughran.

In addition, sophomore Carrie Kosnik (Utility, 5-9, Danville, CA) and junior Kellen Fletcher (Utility, 5-11, Honolulu, HI) will see their roles increase in 2008. As a true freshman Kosnik played in 15 games and scored 10 goals while Fletcher played in 29 games and scored nine goals with 18 steals. "We need Kellen to provide experience and leadership while Carrie will have an opportunity at two-meter," said Loughran.

Eleven newcomers join the Lions roster in 2008 and they will have a chance to play big minutes for the Lions. Leading the group are Mary Ann Campos (Driver, 5-6, Commerce, CA), Diana Romero (2-Meter, 5-7, Commerce, CA) and Erin Sandford (Driver, 5-5, Santa Barbara, CA). Campos has played in the U.S. National youth program while Romero and Sandford have had an impact in practice.

"Mary Ann has gained valuable experience with the national program and has been impressive in practice," said Loughran "Diana has had an immediate impact in practice and Erin as an attacker has good offensive skills. They will each have an opportunity to play a big role in our success this season."

The young Lions will get thrown into the fire quickly as they will face the best in college water polo, including the defending national champions in the first game of the season. LMU will host the UCLA Bruins in the season opener this Saturday, Feb. 2 at 12 noon. The Lions will be at home only twice in February but will nevern never leave home in March.

- GO LIONS -