SAN DIEGO, Calif. – Coming off a successful weekend, including three victories over CWPA Top-25 teams at the ASU Cross Conference Challenge, the Arizona State Women's Water Polo team heads to San Diego to compete at the Triton Invitational hosted by UCSD. The Invitational is scheduled to take place over February 10th-11th with 16 teams competing in four brackets competing in a tournament setting.
The Sun Devils (6-1) are part of Bracket C, which features No. 10 UC Davis, T-No. 19 Loyola Marymount, and Cal State East Bay, who received votes in the CWPA poll this week.
On day one of the Invitational, the Sun Devils open up action with a match against Cal State East Bay at 11:40 a.m. MST taking place in Triton Pool. The Pioneers come into the Invitational with a 2-1 record. They hold victories over Fresno Pacific and Santa Clara and fell to No. 17 San Jose State at the Lou Tully Memorial Tournament. They are coached by Lisa Cooper who is in the midst of her 16th season at the helm of the water polo program. Junior goalie Makenna Nation was selected as the Western Water Polo Association Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 29-Feb. 4.
That is the only pre-scheduled matchup of the Invitational for the Sun Devils, with the rest of their schedule determined via tournament format. ASU will take on the winner/loser of the UC Davis-Loyola Marymount, who play the second game of the day in Bracket C. If the Sun Devils win their first game, they will play in the winner's bracket later in the day at 6:20 p.m. MST staying at Triton Pool. If the Sun Devils fall in their first bout of the Invitational, they would play at 5:00 p.m. MST instead.
One of the potential second round opponents in Bracket C is No. 10 UC Davis. UC Davis is off to a 4-4 start, including victories over No. 11 Long Beach State, No. 17 San Jose State, and No. 21 Fresno State. The Aggies are coached by Jamey Wright who has been at the helm of his alma mater since its earliest years as a club program in the 1980's.
Another possible opponent could be a familiar foe in T-No. 19 Loyola Marymount. The Sun Devils defeated No. 21 Loyola Marymount, 11-3, last Saturday at the ASU Cross Conference Challenge in Tempe. The Lions are 4-7 on the season after wrapping up the ASU Cross Conference Challenge at 1-3. They are led by head coach Kyle Witt, who is in his eighth season at the helm for LMU.
Potential third-round game times vary on the results of the first and second round matchups and are explained in detail below. If the Sun Devils end up in the winner's bracket, they will play their Sunday games will take at Triton Pool. The two potential game times include 10:50 a.m. MST or 1:30 p.m. MST. If ASU falls to the loser's bracket, their Sunday games will be at Canyonview Pool. The two potential game times in this scenario will be at 9:30 a.m. MST and 12:10 p.m. MST.
The following is the schedule for the placing games:
Canyonview Pool Triton Pool
Updates on the schedule and competition will be provided throughout the weekend. Follow along on our social media accounts and visit our website for more information. Continue reading below for additional notes and statistics on the 2018 squad.
ASU CROSS CONFERENCE CHALLENGE RECAP
No. 5 Arizona State hosted the ASU Cross Conference Challenge this past weekend, playing four games over three days. In the home opener on Friday, the Sun Devils took care of business defeating No. 20 Princeton. ASU netted a season-high 14 goals, with four Sun Devils recording multi-goal performances. Bente Rogge would tally four goals while Maud Koopman would record her first of three hat tricks on the weekend. After suffering their first defeat on the season to No. 6 Hawaii in the first game on Saturday, the Sun Devils bounced back in a big way. Seven different players scored a goal in an 11-3 victory over No. 21 Loyola Marymount. Mia Rycraw eclipsed the double-digit mark, accumulated 10 saves. In the final day, ASU wrapped up the ASU Cross Conference Challenge with a victory over No. 16 UCSD, host of the UCSD Triton Invitational. Arizona State finished with 12 goals, which was the most Tritons defense had allowed all season.
DEVILS SWEEP UCSB WINTER INVITATIONAL
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 Arizona State Water Polo Season Notes:
ALL-in on P.J.
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. Sophia Burgess and 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. Sophia Burgess enters her junior season hungry to compete for more playing time. Burgess 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 Sun Devils (6-1) are part of Bracket C, which features No. 10 UC Davis, T-No. 19 Loyola Marymount, and Cal State East Bay, who received votes in the CWPA poll this week.
On day one of the Invitational, the Sun Devils open up action with a match against Cal State East Bay at 11:40 a.m. MST taking place in Triton Pool. The Pioneers come into the Invitational with a 2-1 record. They hold victories over Fresno Pacific and Santa Clara and fell to No. 17 San Jose State at the Lou Tully Memorial Tournament. They are coached by Lisa Cooper who is in the midst of her 16th season at the helm of the water polo program. Junior goalie Makenna Nation was selected as the Western Water Polo Association Player of the Week for the week of Jan. 29-Feb. 4.
That is the only pre-scheduled matchup of the Invitational for the Sun Devils, with the rest of their schedule determined via tournament format. ASU will take on the winner/loser of the UC Davis-Loyola Marymount, who play the second game of the day in Bracket C. If the Sun Devils win their first game, they will play in the winner's bracket later in the day at 6:20 p.m. MST staying at Triton Pool. If the Sun Devils fall in their first bout of the Invitational, they would play at 5:00 p.m. MST instead.
One of the potential second round opponents in Bracket C is No. 10 UC Davis. UC Davis is off to a 4-4 start, including victories over No. 11 Long Beach State, No. 17 San Jose State, and No. 21 Fresno State. The Aggies are coached by Jamey Wright who has been at the helm of his alma mater since its earliest years as a club program in the 1980's.
Another possible opponent could be a familiar foe in T-No. 19 Loyola Marymount. The Sun Devils defeated No. 21 Loyola Marymount, 11-3, last Saturday at the ASU Cross Conference Challenge in Tempe. The Lions are 4-7 on the season after wrapping up the ASU Cross Conference Challenge at 1-3. They are led by head coach Kyle Witt, who is in his eighth season at the helm for LMU.
Potential third-round game times vary on the results of the first and second round matchups and are explained in detail below. If the Sun Devils end up in the winner's bracket, they will play their Sunday games will take at Triton Pool. The two potential game times include 10:50 a.m. MST or 1:30 p.m. MST. If ASU falls to the loser's bracket, their Sunday games will be at Canyonview Pool. The two potential game times in this scenario will be at 9:30 a.m. MST and 12:10 p.m. MST.
The following is the schedule for the placing games:
Canyonview Pool Triton Pool
| Time (MST) | Time (MST) | ||
| 2:20 P.M. | 15th Place Game | 2:50 P.M. | 7th Place Game |
| 3:40 P.M. | 13th Place Game | 4:10 P.M. | 5th Place Game |
| 5:00 P.M. | 11th Place Game | 5:30 P.M. | 3rd Place Game |
| 6:20 P.M. | 9th Place Game | 6:50 P.M. | 1st Place Game |
Updates on the schedule and competition will be provided throughout the weekend. Follow along on our social media accounts and visit our website for more information. Continue reading below for additional notes and statistics on the 2018 squad.
ASU CROSS CONFERENCE CHALLENGE RECAP
No. 5 Arizona State hosted the ASU Cross Conference Challenge this past weekend, playing four games over three days. In the home opener on Friday, the Sun Devils took care of business defeating No. 20 Princeton. ASU netted a season-high 14 goals, with four Sun Devils recording multi-goal performances. Bente Rogge would tally four goals while Maud Koopman would record her first of three hat tricks on the weekend. After suffering their first defeat on the season to No. 6 Hawaii in the first game on Saturday, the Sun Devils bounced back in a big way. Seven different players scored a goal in an 11-3 victory over No. 21 Loyola Marymount. Mia Rycraw eclipsed the double-digit mark, accumulated 10 saves. In the final day, ASU wrapped up the ASU Cross Conference Challenge with a victory over No. 16 UCSD, host of the UCSD Triton Invitational. Arizona State finished with 12 goals, which was the most Tritons defense had allowed all season.
DEVILS SWEEP UCSB WINTER INVITATIONAL
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 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 nine goals in seven 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.
- Also notched a multi-goal game against No. 21 LMU (2/3), her second multi-goal game of the season.
- Alkistis Benekou has started the 2018 campaign on fire, tallying 17 goals through seven games, the third highest total in the conference. Her 2.43 goals per game is good enough for fifth in the MPSF.
- 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.
- She enters the season with 143 goals, good enough for sixth place on the school's all-time goal scoring list.
- Mia Rycraw's 55 saves this season represent the top total in the MPSF.
- Ryrcaw continues to move up the career saves charts at Arizona State. She now sits at 793 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.
- At the ASU Cross Conference Challenge, Maud Koopman was a dominant force. She finished the weekend with 11 goals in four games, recording a hat trick in three.
- It did not take Koopman long to 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).
- The Junior has been a reliable offensive presence for the Arizona State attacker during her career. Koopman enters the season with 80 goals in her first two seasons.
- Despite missing the first three games at the UCSB Winter Invitational, it did not take Lena Mihailovic long to get back into a rhythm. In her first action of the 2018 campaign at the ASU Cross Conference Invite, Mihailovic recorded a multi-goal game in a victory over No. 20 Princeton (2/2).
- Mihailovic concluded the ASU Cross Conference Challenge with seven goals, five assists, and two steals.
- In the first seven games of the season, ASU has defeated six teams ranked in the CWPA Top-25 at the time.
- The Sun Devils allowed nine goals through the first three games, the fewest since the 2009-10 team allowed just five goals over that span.
- Versatile sophomore Bente Rogge has done a little bit of everything for the Sun Devils during their 6-1start to the season, accumulating 11 goals, eight assists and five steals.
- Rogge is coming off an outstanding freshman campaign in which she garnered ACWPC Third Team All-American honors.
- 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)
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 |
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. Sophia Burgess and 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. Sophia Burgess enters her junior season hungry to compete for more playing time. Burgess 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.