OAKLAND, Calif. - The Western Water Polo Association (WWPA) will have a first-time champion in 2020.



Following the departure of founding member UC San Diego, the WWPA now features eight institutions that have yet to take home the league crown since the conference started sending teams to the National Water Polo Collegiate Championship in 2001.



The preseason favorite, according to a league-wide preseason poll of WWPA coaches, is Cal State East Bay. The Pioneers received 46 total points and four first-place votes.



Led by head coach Lisa Cooper, now in her 18th season, CSUEB returns 2019 WWPA Co-Player of the Year Auriel Bill and two-time All-WWPA First Teamer Adrian Van Dyke.



2019 WWPA runner-up Fresno Pacific came in second in the poll with 41 total points and three first-place votes. All-WWPA First Teamer Sam Witt will look to lead the Sunbirds to their second straight title match.



Salem, now in its second WWPA season, finished with 29 points and had the final first-place vote.



Gannon and Sonoma tied for fourth with 26 points apiece while Cal State Monterey Bay (24 points), Mercyhurst (18 points) and McKendree (14 points) rounded out the field.



The 2020 WWPA Championship is hosted by Fresno Pacific, April 24-26 at Sunnyside Aquatics Center.



2020 WWPA Preseason Coaches Poll

1. Cal State East Bay - 46 (4)

2. Fresno Pacific - 41 (3)

3. Salem - 29 (1)

T4. Gannon - 26

T4. Sonoma State - 26

6. Cal State Monterey Bay - 24

7. Mercyhurst - 18

8. McKendree - 14