Jan. 31, 2013

BRIDGEPORT, Pa.—After dropping several close contests to some of the best teams in the country two weeks ago, the Colorado State women’s water polo team is starting to earn national attention, receiving one vote in this week’s Collegiate Water Polo Association (CWPA) Women’s Varsity National Top 20 poll. The poll was released on Wednesday.

The one vote was the most since CSU also received one vote on Feb. 8, 2012. During the 2012 season, CSU was mentioned in the poll four times, including the program’s first-ever top-20 ranking, on Jan. 25.

Overall, CSU is one of 27 teams receiving at least one vote, and is currently tied for 22nd nationally.

“It’s exciting to gain some attention,” coach Mike Moody said. “I think it’s a combination of us playing some very tough teams the first week—and hanging close with them—and now those teams continuing to climb in the rankings.”

CSU did not receive any votes in last week’s poll, and has been idle since. However, during that time, CSU’s four opponents from the Michigan Kick-Off—who are all ranked in the top 14—went 5-3, with each loss coming to a top-10 team.

Eleven of CSU’s 24 scheduled opponents are ranked in this week’s poll, and an additional two teams are receiving votes. Stanford remained the nation’s top team for the third consecutive week. The Rams and Cardinal will clash in Tempe, Ariz., on March 24.

CSU returns to competition Feb. 9-10 for the Brown Invite, in Princeton, R.I.