OAKLAND, Calif. – McKendree University women's water polo has been tabbed to finish eighth in the 2022 Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) Preseason Coaches Poll that was released recently by the league office.

The Bearcats received 14 total points in the preseason poll voted on by the league's head coaches.

Salem University was tabbed as the preseason WWPA favorite as they earned 46 total points and five first place votes, while Cal State East Bay was tabbed second with 44 total points and the final three first place votes.

Fresno Pacific was picked third as they earned 38 points, while Cal State Monterey Bay was fourth with 25 points and Mercyhurst was tabbed fifth with 22 points. Gannon University was picked sixth with 19 points and Biola was seventh with 16 points.

During the 2001 season, the Bearcats, who are coached by Colleen Lischwe, posted a 2-7 overall record and a 2-5 mark in the WWPA.

Among the key returners for the Bearcats in 2022 are senior attacker Carley Manuel (Lantana, Texas/Guyer), sophomore center defender Samantha Reich (Salinas, Calif./Salinas) and senior attacker Maddy Bolton (Alta Loma, Calif./Los Osos). Manuel was a Second-Team All-WWPA honoree last season, while Reich was named to the All-Freshman Team and Bolton was an Honorable Mention All-Conference selection.

The 2022 WWPA Championship will be held from April 22-24 in Fresno, Calif.

McKendree opens its 2022 season with a 1 p.m. game on Feb. 12 against Augustana (Ill.) College at the McKendree Metro Rec Plex Pool in O'Fallon, Ill.

2022 WWPA Preseason Coaches Poll
1.      Salem – 46 (5)
2.      Cal State East Bay – 44 (3)
3.      Fresno Pacific – 38
4.      Cal State Monterey Bay – 25
5.      Mercyhurst – 22
6.      Gannon – 19
7.      Biola – 16
8.      McKendree – 14