Jan. 25, 2013

STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford women's lacrosse was picked to finish first in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Preseason Coaches' Poll, announced by the conference Friday.

The Cardinal received 59 points and four first-place votes to top the preseason poll for the fourth consecutive year. Oregon received three first-place votes and was ranked second, and Denver received two first-place votes and was ranked third. California, San Diego State, UC Davis, USC, Fresno State and St. Mary's round out the preseason poll rankings, respectively.

Stanford will pursue its eighth MPSF Championship in nine years after falling to Oregon 13-10, in last year's championship game. It will also look to reach the NCAA Tournament for the fourth time in program history after making the tournament two consecutive seasons in 2010 and 2011.

Stanford returns nine starters and 16 letterwinners from the 2012 team that finished with an 8-10 overall, 5-2 MPSF record. The group will be captained by seniors Elizabeth Adam and Carolyn Bradley, and 2012 all-conference selection Anna Kim. Goalkeeper Lyndsey Munoz, midfielders Anna Kim, Hannah Farr and Nina Swanson are also all-conference returners this season.

Stanford opens its season on Saturday, Feb. 16 at home against Notre Dame at 3 p.m. (PT).

2012 MPSF Preseason Coaches' Ranking  

1. Stanford        
2. Oregon  
3. Denver          
4. California
5. San Diego State
6. UC Davis 28
7. USC
8. Fresno State
9. St. Mary's