TEMPE, Arizona - The Marist water polo team is set to open the 2019 season at the first ASU Invitational, taking place over Saturday and Sunday. Marist will play the Sun Devils, New York Athletic Club (NYAC) and the Chinese National Team.
 

SCHEDULE

Saturday, Jan. 12 
11:30 a.m. – ASU vs. Marist
1:00 p.m. - NYAC vs. Marist (exhibition)
2:30 p.m. – ASU vs. Marist (exhibition)
 
Sunday, Jan. 13 
10:00 p.m. – Marist vs. Chinese National Team (exhibition)
1:00 p.m. – Marist vs. Chinese National Team (exhibition)

2018 IN REVIEW

• The Red Foxes finished the 2018 season at 20-17 (12-2 MAAC), which matches the program's best overall record since 2013. Marist appeared in the MAAC Tournament for the 15^th consecutive year and advanced to the Championship game for the fifth straight season.
• Marist was ranked 18 times in national polls last season, peaking at No. 12 in the USA Water Polo National Collegiate Rankings.

WHO'S BACK

• Sixteen players from last season's team return in 2019, including Preseason All-MAAC selections Grace Doerfler and Katherine Tijerina.
• Junior Justine Castro and sophomore Lauren Smith return after strong seasons for the Red Foxes and will look to improve on their 30-goal seasons.

FRESHMEN FOXES

Marina Hyham, Myriam Lizotte, Jocelyn Castro, Sawyer Alter, Kathryn McCullough and Gabi Gervasi enter the pool for the first time with Marist, bringing experience as Junior Panamermican qualifiers and International club competitors.

SCOUTING THE COMPETITION

• ASU went 16-9 in 2018, finishing ranked fifth in the nation. Maud Koopman scored 42 goals for the Sun Devils last season, and is accompanied by strong defender Bente Rogge.
• NYAC has played a critical role in the development of water polo beginners as well as elite-level competitors. With multiple national championships on both the men's and women's sides over the past 25 years, NYAC produces more national and Olympic team players than any water polo team in the country.
• The Chinese women's national water polo team represents China in international water polo and is one of the leading teams in Asia. Most recently, the squad won gold in the 2018 Asian Games and 2016 Asian Championship. Internationally, they finished sixth at World League in 2018 and seventh at the 2016 Olympic Games.

UP NEXT

The Red Foxes journey to Hawaii on Jan. 19 for the Rainbow Invitational, featuring hosts Hawaii, San Diego State and Sonoma State University.