Preseason Poll

[lil lady lax fan]

Many of the other conferences have released preseason polls. Is the WCLL planning on doing so as well?

[SDSULAX]

We did not do a preseason poll at the league meeting. To do one now would be a ordeal and for what? They normally reflect the conference standings at the end of the last regular season which are available on our conference website.

[Jolly Roger]

Although poll voters might appreciate having one more readily available. Not going to affect the super elite WCLL teams, but might negatively impact the second and third tier.

[Sonny]

In my book, anything that generates discussion or visability about our level of play is a good thing. I also think the conference preseason polls give the MDIA additional legitimacy.

I wish the WCLL would reconsider their decision moving forward.

[lil lady lax fan]

I can see Craig's point of view. If I remember correctly the majority of the WCLL teams had played little or no fall ball before the league meeting. Trying to get a poll together when everyone is busy with the holidays and getting ready for finals would indeed be a hassle. I guess we'll just have to wait for the first few games to be played to see how everyone stacks up.

Good luck in the upcoming season.

[westcoastlax]

How does everyone think the poll should look if there was one?

[Bubba 18]

I got defending natty champs UCSB at the top of my list, followed by a NOMA squad who should be much improved from last year. I would also say that Arizona state is a team that will be surprising a lot of people and teams this year. It is still fall and I havent heard about how too many other teams around the league have been doing. but I am really excited for the Spring to be rolling around shortly

[lil lady lax fan]

For anyone interested I noticed that they have the spring schedules posted on the WCLL website for each of the teams. I'm not sure if these are the full schedules but they will at least give you an idea of what each team will be coming up against in the spring.

My $0.02
Division A: Up for grabs. I think UCSB and 'Noma will be two of the top contenders but they will have a real fight for the top spot. There is a lot of quality young blood out there this year scattered throughout the league. I have a feeling we're in for a few surprises this year.

Division B: USD and Claremont are the teams to beat in their respective divisions. Pepperdine and UCI could give them some competition. Possible wild card: UC Santa Cruz. Haven't heard much about them but I believe they did pretty well at Laxtoberfest.

[soulax #7]

I agree with ASU surprising some people. In Vegas they played BYU and lost in overtime.....

[dv]

I believe UCSC is not yet sanctioned for WCLL-B, is that right? So they can't really be a competitor this season.
But! From what I saw of the first year squad, give them 3 or 4 years and I see them running WCLL-B for a good long time. UCSC has been a sink for Nor Cal lacrosse players for long time, many of the talented players give the sport up to play other club sports, but now that there's a team, I see the slugs being a powerhouse as soon as they are allowed into the league.
Saw them at Laxtoberfest and at SMC tourney this fall and they can catch and throw better than a first year squad should be able to, they can dodge and shoot better too. Keep an eye on them.