University Southern California Trojans
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/ Men's Water Polo
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/ Men's Water Polo
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/ Men's Water Polo
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/ Men's Water Polo
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/ Men's Water Polo
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/ Men's Water Polo
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/ Men's Water Polo
USC Men Picked No. 2 In National Preseason Poll
August 23, 2018 | Men's Water Polo, Features
Winners of nine NCAA titles, the Trojans are entering 2018 as the nation’s No. 2 ranked team.
As USC water polo prepares to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the program's first national championship, the 2018 Trojans look to be well in the running once again to add to the storied program's collection of championship trophies. USC men's water polo will open this season's campaign as the nation's No. 2 team according to preseason rankings released Aug. 22 by the Collegiate Water Polo Association. Under the guidance of head coach Jovan Vavic, who has been on-hand for all nine of the USC men's NCAA titles and all six of the USC women's national championships, the Trojan men are riding an unprecedented streak of 13 consecutive NCAA finals reached as they kick off this 2018 campaign.
With only one true senior on the roster and an influx of freshman and transfer talent to Troy, the 2018 USC men's team is a unique blend of experience and raw talent. Vavic, who is well versed in crafting championship-caliber rosters, again has plenty of savvy and skill at his disposal to build his Trojans toward what could be a 10th title for the USC men. On the veteran end, there are five members of last year's NCAA runner-up roster returning for 2018, including All-American junior Matt Maier and All-American sophomore Marko Vavic. Lone true senior Zach D'Sa had a huge junior season for the Trojans as he steps into his senior leadership role, with Marin Dasic and Sam Slobodien both entering their third seasons of action as Trojans. USC's new crew is highlighted by transfers Sawyer Rhodes and Jacob Mercep, U.S. National Teamer Hannes Daube and a smattering of international imports in Australians Nic Porter, James Kolenda and Corey Allan and Greeks Orestis Apergi and Vaios Vlahotasios. In all, there are 15 new faces that will be capped up in Cardinal and Gold for the first time this season.
In addition to picking up the No. 2 spot in the nation's preseason poll, USC was selected No. 2 in the 2018 MPSF Coaches Preseason Poll. Last year, USC finished 27-4 overall, winning the 2017 MPSF Tournament and reaching the NCAA final for the 13th straight year. USC's 2018 journey officially begins next weekend, with competition at the UCLA Mini Invitational on Sept. 1 in Westwood.
With only one true senior on the roster and an influx of freshman and transfer talent to Troy, the 2018 USC men's team is a unique blend of experience and raw talent. Vavic, who is well versed in crafting championship-caliber rosters, again has plenty of savvy and skill at his disposal to build his Trojans toward what could be a 10th title for the USC men. On the veteran end, there are five members of last year's NCAA runner-up roster returning for 2018, including All-American junior Matt Maier and All-American sophomore Marko Vavic. Lone true senior Zach D'Sa had a huge junior season for the Trojans as he steps into his senior leadership role, with Marin Dasic and Sam Slobodien both entering their third seasons of action as Trojans. USC's new crew is highlighted by transfers Sawyer Rhodes and Jacob Mercep, U.S. National Teamer Hannes Daube and a smattering of international imports in Australians Nic Porter, James Kolenda and Corey Allan and Greeks Orestis Apergi and Vaios Vlahotasios. In all, there are 15 new faces that will be capped up in Cardinal and Gold for the first time this season.
In addition to picking up the No. 2 spot in the nation's preseason poll, USC was selected No. 2 in the 2018 MPSF Coaches Preseason Poll. Last year, USC finished 27-4 overall, winning the 2017 MPSF Tournament and reaching the NCAA final for the 13th straight year. USC's 2018 journey officially begins next weekend, with competition at the UCLA Mini Invitational on Sept. 1 in Westwood.
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