TEMPE, Ariz. – The No. 5 Arizona State Water Polo team prepares to host four programs in the first ever ASU Cross Conference Challenge running February 2nd-4th in Tempe. The Sun Devils face stiff competition all weekend, playing four games against CWPA Top-25 teams over the three-day span.
The one match on Friday, along with the final four matches of the Challenge on Sunday, will be held at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center. On Saturday, all five scheduled matches will take place at the Sun Devil Fitness Center, located on the Tempe campus, due to a swim & dive meet taking place at 1:00 p.m..
The Sun Devils are coming off a weekend in which they controlled all three matches against a loaded field at the 2018 UCSB Winter Invite.
UCSB WINTER INVITATIONAL RECAP
In the season opener at the 2018 UCSB Winter Invitational, the Sun Devils handled Cal Baptist 12-3. Alkistis Benekou and P.J. Allin each recorded four goals in the victory.
Day two of the Invitational saw the Sun Devils matched up against a pair of CWPA Top-15 teams. Three different Sun Devils put forth multi-goal performance in the victory over No. 13 Indiana. The finale of the UCSB Winter Invitational featured a Top-10 showdown that turned into a defensive battle. The Sun Devils would come out on top of the low scoring affair, defeating 2017 NCAA Tournament Participant No. 8 Michigan 5-3. Mia Rycraw was the story of the game, compiling 14 saves to keep the Sun Devils in the contest.
2018 ASU CROSS CONFERENCE CHALLENGE SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN
Kicking things off in the only game on Friday, the Sun Devils will take on No. 20 Princeton at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center in the home opener. Dating back to the 2011-12 season, Arizona State has won their last six home openers. Princeton has yet to play this season under interim head coach Becca Dorst, who enters her first season at the helm.
In the second day of the ASU Cross Conference Challenge, the competition moves over to the Sun Devil Fitness Center due to the ASU swim & dive meet. In an action filled day with five matches scheduled, ASU will participate in a pair of matches, including a Top-10 showdown. The first match is slated for 11 a.m., pitting the No. 5 Sun Devils against No. 6 Hawaii. The second match of the day for the Sun Devils will be the final one of the day at the Challenge, taking place at 4:30 p.m. against No. 21 Loyola Marymount. Led by head coach Maureen Cole, the Rainbow Wahine recently completed the 2018 Rainbow Invite with a 2-1 record. Hawaii dropped their season opener to No. 2 California before bouncing back with two Top-25 victories over No. 21 Loyola Marymount as well as No. 24 Marist.
The Loyola Marymount Lions, led by head coach Kyle Witt, hold a 3-4 record this season. They have faced some of the stiffest competition the country has to offer. Their schedule consisted of four Top-10 opponents in their first five matches. The Lions are coming off a successful weekend where they captured a pair of victories at the CBU Mini Tournament.
The ASU Cross Conference Challenge concludes on Sunday, returning to Mona Plummer Aquatic Center for four matches. The Sun Devils will only compete in one match, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. against No. 16 UC San Diego. The Tritons are led by head coach four-time ACWPC Coach of the year Brad Kreutzkamp. After winning their season opener, UCSD wrapped up the 2018 UCSB Winter Invitational at 1-3, falling to Top-15 teams in Michigan, Indiana, and UCLA.
Admission to any ASU Cross Conference Challenge match is free of charge. Friday's match set for 12:00 p.m. against Princeton at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center will be streamed through the ASU Live stream. Saturday's matches will take place at the Sun Devil Fitness Center located on the Tempe campus and can be followed via live stats found on the thefosh.net. On Sunday, the Challenge continues back at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center with live stats once again available on thefosh.net. Stayed tuned to our social media accounts and find out more information by visiting thesundevils.com.
2018 Arizona State Water Polo Season Notes:
ALL-in on P.J.
A Weekend of Firsts
2017: Bente Rogge, (third), Mia Rycraw (HM), Lena Mihailovic (HM)
2016: Ao Gao (first), Mia Rycraw (first), Abbey Kerth (HM), Maud Koopman (HM)
2015: Izabella Chiappini (third), E.B. Keeve (HM), Alkistis Benekou (HM)
2014: Ao Gao (second), E.B. Keeve (third), Alkistis Benekou (HM), Patra Pardi (HM)
2013: Alicia Brightwell (second), Ao Gao (second), Shannon Haas (third), E.B. Keeve (HM)
2012: Alicia Brightwell (first), Shannon Haas (third), Mariam Salloum (HM)
2011: Sarah Harris (HM), Mariam Salloum (HM), Lynlee Smith (HM)
2010: Sarah Harris (HM), Lynlee Smith (HM)
2009: Addison McGrath (second), Lynlee Smith (HM)
2008: Addison McGrath (first) Kelly Phelps (HM), Caylinn Wallace (HM)
2007: Addison McGrath (HM)
2006: Rowie Webster (third)
2004: Katie Davis (HM)
2017 ACWPC Academic All-Americans:
As is typical with the women's water polo program, they enjoyed as much success outside of the pool as they did in it. A total of eight Arizona State Women's Water Polo student-athletes earned recognition by the ACWPC in the 2017 Women's All-Academic Awards. Maud Koopman, P.J. Allin and Rosie Huck were awarded Outstanding honors, which require a GPA of above a 3.70. Lena Mihailovic was honored by the ACWPC for the third time in her career, earning Superior honors in 2017, after receiving Outstanding honors her previous year. Also receiving Superior honors, which requires a G.P.A. above 3.40, is freshman Bente Rogge. Goalkeepers Sophia Burgess and Ellie Karl along with Catherine Simko were awarded with Excellent honors, requiring a GPA at or above a 3.20. Maud Koopman was recognized by CoSIDA for her work in the classroom, awarding her with Academic All-District honors.
2017 Season Recap:
The 2017 women's water polo season completed yet another successful campaign as one of the most decorated programs in the country. The team spent a majority of the season in the Top-5 of the CWPA poll including climbing as high as fourth, finishing the season as the No. 6 team in the nation. The Sun Devils finished with a 20-7 record, reaching the 20-win plateau for the second consecutive season and the fifth time in program history. ASU took fifth place at the MPSF Championships, finishing only behind the Top-4 nationally ranked teams. The women's water polo team compiled seven wins over teams that finished in the Top-10 teams including two key victories over No. 5 UC Irvine and a win over No. 4 California. Three members of the Sun Devil water polo team were named to the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches 2017 All-America Team. Standout Bente Rogge headlined the trio of Sun Devil honorees earning third-team honors, while Mia Rycraw and Lena Mihailovic earned honorable mention honors. Those same three individuals received MPSF All-Conference honors as well, with Rycraw placing on the first team, Mihailovic on the second team and Rogge getting honorable mention distinction.
The following is a position-by-position preview of the 2018 roster:
GOALKEEPERS
Now entering her senior season, Mia Rycraw has already established herself as one of the most decorated goalies in school history. The 2017 ACWPC honorable mention All-American comes off a season where she anchored a stingy Sun Devil defense. After accounting for 202 saves on the year, which tied USC's Amanda Logan as the most of anyone in the league, Rycraw earned All-MPSF First Team honors. The defense returns veterans and adds newcomers to a group that allowed just 169 goals on the year to finish the season with a 6.26 goals against average, a mark that ranked fourth in the MPSF.
Rycraw looks to build off her time this summer with USA Women's Water Polo program. She was a member of the United States roster for the World University Games in Taipei. The U.S. team captured the Gold medal at the games, with Rycraw seeing time at goalie and recording a save in the victory over Hungary.
Arizona State boast unprecedented depth behind Rycraw, with a solid mixture of experience and youth. Both Ellie Karl and Sophia Burgess enter their junior season hungry to compete for more playing time. Karl saw action in Arizona State's victory over La Verne, finishing with five saves, giving Sun Devil fans a glimpse of her enormous potential. Burgess also gained valuable experience last season with several appearances in relief, including a four-save effort in a victory over Sonoma State. Freshman Belen Ehinger comes to ASU after an extremely successful prep career in Florida. Ehinger looks to learn and gain knowledge from the veterans at her position as she adds an element of youth to the position.
CENTERS
The Sun Devils are once again strong down the middle of the pool with a talented group of centers. Led by veterans Alkistis Benekou and Rosie Huck, this group is essential to maintaining a balanced attack for the Sun Devil offense.
Benekou, the former All-American as a freshman, has made a significant impact since returning to the team after a brief stint training and competing in the Olympics for Greece. With 143 career goals coming into the season, Benekou now sits in sixth place in school history. Last season, Benekou tied her own school record with a seven-goal outburst in a 17-3 victory over La Verne. Benekou has reached the 40-goal plateau in each of her three seasons in Tempe.
Benekou will have plenty of help at the center position, represented by fellow returner Rosie Huck. Huck broke out onto the scene last season, tallying 14 goals on the year. Huck developed into another reliable scoring option for the Sun Devils, recording two hat-tricks on last season, one against Bucknell on at the Wolverine Invitational and the other coming in a 11-3 victory over No. 15 San Jose State. Huck competed internationally during the off season with British women's water polo National Team at the World University Games. While at the tournament, she faced some of the world's most talented athletes, including fellow Sun Devil Mia Rycraw and former Sun Devil Daisy Carter. Huck returned to the English squad after previously winning the 2017 EU Nations Cup Senior championship.
The Sun Devils also add talented center prospect Meghan Beaudet, adding some youth to a veteran-laden position group. Beaudet competed for Duke City Aquatics Water Polo club team, earning club MVP honors for five consecutive seasons. She gained national team experience after being selected to the 2016 Olympic Development Program Girl's Youth National Team. Beaudet had an outstanding prep career at Volcano Vista High School, earning first team All-State recognition as a center in three straight seasons.
ATTACKERS
Arizona State's offensive attack will feature versatility, experience, and athleticism. After an outstanding campaign last season, senior Lena Mihailovic looks to build on the confidence she gained. After combining for 55 total goals over her first two season, Mihailovic finished with 45 goals in 27 games last year leading to 2017 ACWPC All-American honorable mention honors. The second team All-MPSF performer led the team with nine three-plus goal outings on the year. This summer, she competed as a member of the Team Australia national team, the Aussie Stingers, at the 17th FINA World Championships.
Junior Maud Koopman gives the Sun Devils another talented scoring option. Koopman finished with an incredible 41 goals in her sophomore season, building off a 39-goal rookie campaign. Koopman led the team with 13 multi-goal performances, including a pair of five goal performances over the first four games of the season. She spent the summer gaining experience while competing for the bronze-winning Netherlands World Junior National Team in the FINA World Junior Water Polo Championships. Koopman totaled six goals for the Dutch squad in six tournament games.
Juniors P.J. Allin and Julia Reyes continue to improve throughout their time in Tempe. Both attackers should she increased playing time filling scoring roles left by graduate departures. Allin returns to Tempe after spending the summer competing for the Canadian Women's Junior National Team. Tallied 15 goals on the season in her second year at Arizona State, including recording a career-high three goals on Feb. 11 against UC Davis at the Triton Invitational. Julia Reyes also looks to take advantage of playing time opportunities. Reyes has compiled eight goals so far during her two-year career at ASU. Last season, Reyes made an impact in the match against CSU East Bay, scoring a pair of goals in the Sun Devils 12-5 victory.
Redshirt freshman Cassidy Degraff and freshman Layla Waters represent a bright future at the position for the Sun Devils. Degraff looks to make an impact and crack the lineup after redshirting last season. Meanwhile, Waters comes to ASU after spending four years as a member of the varsity water polo team at Sacred Heart Prep, the final two of which she was named team captain. She helped lead Sacred Heart to four consecutive Central Coast section titles along with a pair of WCAL titles. Received All-West Catholic Athletic League and Central Coast Section first team honors in each of her final three years of high school.
DEFENDERS
Although only two athletes are listed as defenders, expect it to be a team effort on the defense end thanks to the versatility offered by the utility and center position groups. A pair of sophomores represent the two defenders who will be crucial to the success of the Sun Devil's season.
Coming off an incredible freshman campaign where she broke out onto the national scene, Bente Rogge will be key to maintaining the balance that has led to the recent unprecedented success. Rogge had the opportunity to compete as a member of the Dutch National Team at the 12th FINA World Junior Championships. A teammate of fellow current Sun Devil Maud Koopman during the championship, the Dutch team captured the bronze medal with Rogge finishing the tournament with nine goals. Made an instant impact in Tempe, tallying 30 goals in just 26 games as a freshman.
Redshirt sophomore Catherine Simko looks to increase her contributions on the defensive side. After redshirting her first season in Tempe, Simko found her way in the lineup frequently as a reserve last year. Simko finished the campaign with eight goals on the season and provided consistently tough defense, while facing some of the country's highest-powered offenses. She recorded a pair of multi-goal games on the season.
UTILITY
The Utility position group is led by returning senior Kayla Casas, who has been a steadying force for the water polo program throughout her time in Tempe. Casas provides the Sun Devils lineup with consistency and versatility, giving Coach Clapper multiple lineup options. Casas has reached the double-figure goal plateau in each of her previous three seasons as a Sun Devil, culminating with a career-high 14-goal campaign last year. Among her three multi-goal performances on the year, the most clutch of them all was a two-goal effort in a victory over then ranked No. 6 UC Irvine.
Supporting Casas at the position are a pair of freshman that offer a glimpse into the future of how the Sun Devils roster will be constructed in the future. Amira Van Buren was a standout in the pool for Vista Murrieta High School in Murrieta, Calif. A member of her high school's varsity water polo and swim teams beginning in 2013, Van Buren helped her squad make back-to-back playoff appearances. Van Buren claimed first team All CIF honors following her junior season in 2015 after earning third team All CIF recognition in 2014.
Kate Cassidy comes to ASU after a record-setting prep career in Florida. She was named Palm Beach Player of the Year in all four of her high school seasons. Last season Cassidy helped lead Saint Andrew's School to the state quarterfinals, where they fell to Lake Nona. She finished her senior season with 97 goals, 66 Steals, 47 assists and earned 37 kick outs. Currently holds her high school record with 16 goals in a game against Hagerty and holds two other school records for most steals in a game (11) and goals in a season with 117. Completed her junior season with an eye popping 93 goals on 133 attempts, while adding five assists and 50 steals. Following the regular season Cassidy attended the US Junior National Team Selection camp. During her senior season, Cassidy served as the senior team captain for both her swim and water polo teams.
The one match on Friday, along with the final four matches of the Challenge on Sunday, will be held at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center. On Saturday, all five scheduled matches will take place at the Sun Devil Fitness Center, located on the Tempe campus, due to a swim & dive meet taking place at 1:00 p.m..
The Sun Devils are coming off a weekend in which they controlled all three matches against a loaded field at the 2018 UCSB Winter Invite.
UCSB WINTER INVITATIONAL RECAP
In the season opener at the 2018 UCSB Winter Invitational, the Sun Devils handled Cal Baptist 12-3. Alkistis Benekou and P.J. Allin each recorded four goals in the victory.
Day two of the Invitational saw the Sun Devils matched up against a pair of CWPA Top-15 teams. Three different Sun Devils put forth multi-goal performance in the victory over No. 13 Indiana. The finale of the UCSB Winter Invitational featured a Top-10 showdown that turned into a defensive battle. The Sun Devils would come out on top of the low scoring affair, defeating 2017 NCAA Tournament Participant No. 8 Michigan 5-3. Mia Rycraw was the story of the game, compiling 14 saves to keep the Sun Devils in the contest.
2018 ASU CROSS CONFERENCE CHALLENGE SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN
Kicking things off in the only game on Friday, the Sun Devils will take on No. 20 Princeton at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center in the home opener. Dating back to the 2011-12 season, Arizona State has won their last six home openers. Princeton has yet to play this season under interim head coach Becca Dorst, who enters her first season at the helm.
In the second day of the ASU Cross Conference Challenge, the competition moves over to the Sun Devil Fitness Center due to the ASU swim & dive meet. In an action filled day with five matches scheduled, ASU will participate in a pair of matches, including a Top-10 showdown. The first match is slated for 11 a.m., pitting the No. 5 Sun Devils against No. 6 Hawaii. The second match of the day for the Sun Devils will be the final one of the day at the Challenge, taking place at 4:30 p.m. against No. 21 Loyola Marymount. Led by head coach Maureen Cole, the Rainbow Wahine recently completed the 2018 Rainbow Invite with a 2-1 record. Hawaii dropped their season opener to No. 2 California before bouncing back with two Top-25 victories over No. 21 Loyola Marymount as well as No. 24 Marist.
The Loyola Marymount Lions, led by head coach Kyle Witt, hold a 3-4 record this season. They have faced some of the stiffest competition the country has to offer. Their schedule consisted of four Top-10 opponents in their first five matches. The Lions are coming off a successful weekend where they captured a pair of victories at the CBU Mini Tournament.
The ASU Cross Conference Challenge concludes on Sunday, returning to Mona Plummer Aquatic Center for four matches. The Sun Devils will only compete in one match, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. against No. 16 UC San Diego. The Tritons are led by head coach four-time ACWPC Coach of the year Brad Kreutzkamp. After winning their season opener, UCSD wrapped up the 2018 UCSB Winter Invitational at 1-3, falling to Top-15 teams in Michigan, Indiana, and UCLA.
Admission to any ASU Cross Conference Challenge match is free of charge. Friday's match set for 12:00 p.m. against Princeton at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center will be streamed through the ASU Live stream. Saturday's matches will take place at the Sun Devil Fitness Center located on the Tempe campus and can be followed via live stats found on the thefosh.net. On Sunday, the Challenge continues back at Mona Plummer Aquatic Center with live stats once again available on thefosh.net. Stayed tuned to our social media accounts and find out more information by visiting thesundevils.com.
2018 Arizona State Water Polo Season Notes:
ALL-in on P.J.
- After totaling 19 goals over 56 games in her first two years on campus, P.J. Allin has compiled five goals in three games on the season thus far.
- Allin recorded a career-high four goals against Cal Baptist (1/20), the second hat trick of her career.
- Additionally, Allin made her presence felt on both ends, finishing the Invitational with a team-high 10 steals.
- Alkistis Benekou carried a heavy load at the 2018 UCSB Winter Invite. Benekou was the only Sun Devil to record a multi-goal performance in each of the three games.
- Benekou completed the weekend with an incredible nine goals, tying her for the most goals in the MPSF.
- Alkistis Benekou enters the season with 143 goals, good enough for sixth place on the school's all-time goal scoring list.
- Mia Rycraw continues to move up the career saves charts at Arizona State. She now sits at 767 career saves, which is good enough for third in school history right behind former Sun Devil great E.B. Keeve (2013-15), who finished her career with 936 saves.
- In a tightly contested 5-3 victory over No. 8 Michigan (1/21), Rycraw looked to be in midseason form, collecting 14 saves while allowing only three goals to lead the Sun Devils to victory.
- Mia Rycraw's 29 saves this season represent the top total in the MPSF.
- The Sun Devils nine goals allowed through the first three games is fewest since the 2009-10 team allowed just five goals over that span.
- ASU hasn't allowed more than three goals in a game this season.
- Versatile sophomore Bente Rogge did a little bit of everything during the ASU's 3-0 start to the season, finishing the weekend with five goals, four assists, and three steals.
- Rogge is coming off an outstanding freshman campaign in which she garnered ACWPC Third Team All-American honors.
- It did not take Maud Koopman log her first multi-goal performance of the season as she scored a pair of goals in the Sun Devils second game on the year, a 10-3 victory over Indiana (1/21).
- Koopman displayed her unselfishness all weekend, tying Kayla Casas for a team-high with three assists.
- Junior Maud Koopman has been a steadying force for the Arizona State attacker during her career. Koopman enters the season with 80 goals in her first two seasons.
- Julia Reyes caused opposing offenses nightmares at the UCSB Winter Invitational, compiling four steals while also contributing offensively with a goal and two assists.
- Several returning members of the Sun Devil water polo team earned valuable international experience competing this summer.
- Bente Rogge and Maud Koopman represented the Netherlands while P.J. Allin represented Canada at the 12th FINA World Junior Championships in Volos, Greece.
- Rosie Huck (Great Britain), Mia Rycraw (U.S.A), and former Sun Devil standout Daisy Carter (Australia) represented their countries at the 2017 World University Games (Summer Universiade).
- Lena Mihailovic (Australia) and former Sun Devils Rowie Webster (Australia) and Kelsey White (South Africa) competed internationally for Australia at the 17th FINA World Championships in Budapest.
- Alkistits Benekou has been a member of the Greek national team for several years, skipping the 2015-16 NCAA season due to her participation in the Olympics representing Greece.
- The Arizona State Water Polo program features individuals from six different countries (Sebria, Canada, Netherlands, England, Greece, and United States)
A Weekend of Firsts
- Making their Sun Devil debuts at the 2018 UCSB Winter Invitational, first year athletes Layla Waters, Meghan Beaudet, and Belen Ehinger all managed to make an impact.
- Meghan Beaudet recorded her first career goal against No. 13 Indiana on Saturday.
- Layla Waters tallied her first two assists of her career in her first career game, a 12-3 victory over Cal Baptist (1/20).
- Goaltender Belen Ehinger logged a pair of saves in her first career action in relief of Mia Rycraw in the victory over Cal Baptist.
2017: Bente Rogge, (third), Mia Rycraw (HM), Lena Mihailovic (HM)
2016: Ao Gao (first), Mia Rycraw (first), Abbey Kerth (HM), Maud Koopman (HM)
2015: Izabella Chiappini (third), E.B. Keeve (HM), Alkistis Benekou (HM)
2014: Ao Gao (second), E.B. Keeve (third), Alkistis Benekou (HM), Patra Pardi (HM)
2013: Alicia Brightwell (second), Ao Gao (second), Shannon Haas (third), E.B. Keeve (HM)
2012: Alicia Brightwell (first), Shannon Haas (third), Mariam Salloum (HM)
2011: Sarah Harris (HM), Mariam Salloum (HM), Lynlee Smith (HM)
2010: Sarah Harris (HM), Lynlee Smith (HM)
2009: Addison McGrath (second), Lynlee Smith (HM)
2008: Addison McGrath (first) Kelly Phelps (HM), Caylinn Wallace (HM)
2007: Addison McGrath (HM)
2006: Rowie Webster (third)
2004: Katie Davis (HM)
2017 ACWPC Academic All-Americans:
| 2017 Women's All-Academic Awards Recipient | Distinction |
| Maud Koopman | Outstanding |
| P.J. Allin | Outstanding |
| Rosie Huck | Outstanding |
| Bente Rogge | Superior |
| Lena Mihailovic | Superior |
| Catherine Simko | Excellent |
| Sophia Burgess | Excellent |
| Ellie Karl | Excellent |
As is typical with the women's water polo program, they enjoyed as much success outside of the pool as they did in it. A total of eight Arizona State Women's Water Polo student-athletes earned recognition by the ACWPC in the 2017 Women's All-Academic Awards. Maud Koopman, P.J. Allin and Rosie Huck were awarded Outstanding honors, which require a GPA of above a 3.70. Lena Mihailovic was honored by the ACWPC for the third time in her career, earning Superior honors in 2017, after receiving Outstanding honors her previous year. Also receiving Superior honors, which requires a G.P.A. above 3.40, is freshman Bente Rogge. Goalkeepers Sophia Burgess and Ellie Karl along with Catherine Simko were awarded with Excellent honors, requiring a GPA at or above a 3.20. Maud Koopman was recognized by CoSIDA for her work in the classroom, awarding her with Academic All-District honors.
2017 Season Recap:
The 2017 women's water polo season completed yet another successful campaign as one of the most decorated programs in the country. The team spent a majority of the season in the Top-5 of the CWPA poll including climbing as high as fourth, finishing the season as the No. 6 team in the nation. The Sun Devils finished with a 20-7 record, reaching the 20-win plateau for the second consecutive season and the fifth time in program history. ASU took fifth place at the MPSF Championships, finishing only behind the Top-4 nationally ranked teams. The women's water polo team compiled seven wins over teams that finished in the Top-10 teams including two key victories over No. 5 UC Irvine and a win over No. 4 California. Three members of the Sun Devil water polo team were named to the Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches 2017 All-America Team. Standout Bente Rogge headlined the trio of Sun Devil honorees earning third-team honors, while Mia Rycraw and Lena Mihailovic earned honorable mention honors. Those same three individuals received MPSF All-Conference honors as well, with Rycraw placing on the first team, Mihailovic on the second team and Rogge getting honorable mention distinction.
The following is a position-by-position preview of the 2018 roster:
GOALKEEPERS
Now entering her senior season, Mia Rycraw has already established herself as one of the most decorated goalies in school history. The 2017 ACWPC honorable mention All-American comes off a season where she anchored a stingy Sun Devil defense. After accounting for 202 saves on the year, which tied USC's Amanda Logan as the most of anyone in the league, Rycraw earned All-MPSF First Team honors. The defense returns veterans and adds newcomers to a group that allowed just 169 goals on the year to finish the season with a 6.26 goals against average, a mark that ranked fourth in the MPSF.
Rycraw looks to build off her time this summer with USA Women's Water Polo program. She was a member of the United States roster for the World University Games in Taipei. The U.S. team captured the Gold medal at the games, with Rycraw seeing time at goalie and recording a save in the victory over Hungary.
Arizona State boast unprecedented depth behind Rycraw, with a solid mixture of experience and youth. Both Ellie Karl and Sophia Burgess enter their junior season hungry to compete for more playing time. Karl saw action in Arizona State's victory over La Verne, finishing with five saves, giving Sun Devil fans a glimpse of her enormous potential. Burgess also gained valuable experience last season with several appearances in relief, including a four-save effort in a victory over Sonoma State. Freshman Belen Ehinger comes to ASU after an extremely successful prep career in Florida. Ehinger looks to learn and gain knowledge from the veterans at her position as she adds an element of youth to the position.
CENTERS
The Sun Devils are once again strong down the middle of the pool with a talented group of centers. Led by veterans Alkistis Benekou and Rosie Huck, this group is essential to maintaining a balanced attack for the Sun Devil offense.
Benekou, the former All-American as a freshman, has made a significant impact since returning to the team after a brief stint training and competing in the Olympics for Greece. With 143 career goals coming into the season, Benekou now sits in sixth place in school history. Last season, Benekou tied her own school record with a seven-goal outburst in a 17-3 victory over La Verne. Benekou has reached the 40-goal plateau in each of her three seasons in Tempe.
Benekou will have plenty of help at the center position, represented by fellow returner Rosie Huck. Huck broke out onto the scene last season, tallying 14 goals on the year. Huck developed into another reliable scoring option for the Sun Devils, recording two hat-tricks on last season, one against Bucknell on at the Wolverine Invitational and the other coming in a 11-3 victory over No. 15 San Jose State. Huck competed internationally during the off season with British women's water polo National Team at the World University Games. While at the tournament, she faced some of the world's most talented athletes, including fellow Sun Devil Mia Rycraw and former Sun Devil Daisy Carter. Huck returned to the English squad after previously winning the 2017 EU Nations Cup Senior championship.
The Sun Devils also add talented center prospect Meghan Beaudet, adding some youth to a veteran-laden position group. Beaudet competed for Duke City Aquatics Water Polo club team, earning club MVP honors for five consecutive seasons. She gained national team experience after being selected to the 2016 Olympic Development Program Girl's Youth National Team. Beaudet had an outstanding prep career at Volcano Vista High School, earning first team All-State recognition as a center in three straight seasons.
ATTACKERS
Arizona State's offensive attack will feature versatility, experience, and athleticism. After an outstanding campaign last season, senior Lena Mihailovic looks to build on the confidence she gained. After combining for 55 total goals over her first two season, Mihailovic finished with 45 goals in 27 games last year leading to 2017 ACWPC All-American honorable mention honors. The second team All-MPSF performer led the team with nine three-plus goal outings on the year. This summer, she competed as a member of the Team Australia national team, the Aussie Stingers, at the 17th FINA World Championships.
Junior Maud Koopman gives the Sun Devils another talented scoring option. Koopman finished with an incredible 41 goals in her sophomore season, building off a 39-goal rookie campaign. Koopman led the team with 13 multi-goal performances, including a pair of five goal performances over the first four games of the season. She spent the summer gaining experience while competing for the bronze-winning Netherlands World Junior National Team in the FINA World Junior Water Polo Championships. Koopman totaled six goals for the Dutch squad in six tournament games.
Juniors P.J. Allin and Julia Reyes continue to improve throughout their time in Tempe. Both attackers should she increased playing time filling scoring roles left by graduate departures. Allin returns to Tempe after spending the summer competing for the Canadian Women's Junior National Team. Tallied 15 goals on the season in her second year at Arizona State, including recording a career-high three goals on Feb. 11 against UC Davis at the Triton Invitational. Julia Reyes also looks to take advantage of playing time opportunities. Reyes has compiled eight goals so far during her two-year career at ASU. Last season, Reyes made an impact in the match against CSU East Bay, scoring a pair of goals in the Sun Devils 12-5 victory.
Redshirt freshman Cassidy Degraff and freshman Layla Waters represent a bright future at the position for the Sun Devils. Degraff looks to make an impact and crack the lineup after redshirting last season. Meanwhile, Waters comes to ASU after spending four years as a member of the varsity water polo team at Sacred Heart Prep, the final two of which she was named team captain. She helped lead Sacred Heart to four consecutive Central Coast section titles along with a pair of WCAL titles. Received All-West Catholic Athletic League and Central Coast Section first team honors in each of her final three years of high school.
DEFENDERS
Although only two athletes are listed as defenders, expect it to be a team effort on the defense end thanks to the versatility offered by the utility and center position groups. A pair of sophomores represent the two defenders who will be crucial to the success of the Sun Devil's season.
Coming off an incredible freshman campaign where she broke out onto the national scene, Bente Rogge will be key to maintaining the balance that has led to the recent unprecedented success. Rogge had the opportunity to compete as a member of the Dutch National Team at the 12th FINA World Junior Championships. A teammate of fellow current Sun Devil Maud Koopman during the championship, the Dutch team captured the bronze medal with Rogge finishing the tournament with nine goals. Made an instant impact in Tempe, tallying 30 goals in just 26 games as a freshman.
Redshirt sophomore Catherine Simko looks to increase her contributions on the defensive side. After redshirting her first season in Tempe, Simko found her way in the lineup frequently as a reserve last year. Simko finished the campaign with eight goals on the season and provided consistently tough defense, while facing some of the country's highest-powered offenses. She recorded a pair of multi-goal games on the season.
UTILITY
The Utility position group is led by returning senior Kayla Casas, who has been a steadying force for the water polo program throughout her time in Tempe. Casas provides the Sun Devils lineup with consistency and versatility, giving Coach Clapper multiple lineup options. Casas has reached the double-figure goal plateau in each of her previous three seasons as a Sun Devil, culminating with a career-high 14-goal campaign last year. Among her three multi-goal performances on the year, the most clutch of them all was a two-goal effort in a victory over then ranked No. 6 UC Irvine.
Supporting Casas at the position are a pair of freshman that offer a glimpse into the future of how the Sun Devils roster will be constructed in the future. Amira Van Buren was a standout in the pool for Vista Murrieta High School in Murrieta, Calif. A member of her high school's varsity water polo and swim teams beginning in 2013, Van Buren helped her squad make back-to-back playoff appearances. Van Buren claimed first team All CIF honors following her junior season in 2015 after earning third team All CIF recognition in 2014.
Kate Cassidy comes to ASU after a record-setting prep career in Florida. She was named Palm Beach Player of the Year in all four of her high school seasons. Last season Cassidy helped lead Saint Andrew's School to the state quarterfinals, where they fell to Lake Nona. She finished her senior season with 97 goals, 66 Steals, 47 assists and earned 37 kick outs. Currently holds her high school record with 16 goals in a game against Hagerty and holds two other school records for most steals in a game (11) and goals in a season with 117. Completed her junior season with an eye popping 93 goals on 133 attempts, while adding five assists and 50 steals. Following the regular season Cassidy attended the US Junior National Team Selection camp. During her senior season, Cassidy served as the senior team captain for both her swim and water polo teams.