STOCKTON, Calif. – The Golden Coast Conference released its 2026 Preseason Poll, and the Pacific women's water polo program was tabbed for third-place.
 
It came after the Tigers finished third in the final 2025 standings with a 14-10 overall and 5-2 conference record. Pacific won a round in the conference tournament before falling in the semifinals, but bounced back to win the third-place game 16-9 over San Diego State.
 
The league featured eight teams last season before Concordia left to join the Western Water Polo Association. This season the GCC has seven teams, which will increase to nine in 2027 as Cal Baptist will depart, but Saint Mary's, San Jose State and UC Davis will join.
 
The Tigers return a strong core of juniors that includes Ella Cowan, Anna Crum and Alicia Petkov who combined for 97 goals last season. Starting goalkeeper Maja Lizy Dulic returns for her junior season after playing nearly the entire way in net for Pacific last year.
 
Pacific brought in eight newcomers, including three transfers and five freshmen.
 
The season begins Thursday, Jan. 22 at home when the Tigers host Fresno Pacific at 6 p.m. at the Eberhardt Aquatics Center.
 
2026 GCC Preseason Poll
1. Fresno State - 35 points (5 first place votes)
2. LMU - 31 points (2)
3. Pacific - 26 points
4. San Diego State - 21 points
5. California Baptist - 17 points
6. Azusa Pacific - 9 points
7. Santa Clara - 8 points
 
Tigers Tickets
Tickets for upcoming events can be purchased through the PacificTigers.com tickets tab, or by calling the Box Office at 209-946-2474.  Groups of 10 or more are eligible for a group discount and exclusive fan experiences.

Stay Social
For all the latest on Pacific women's water polo, be sure to follow the team on X (@UOPWaterPoloU), Instagram (@pacificwaterpolo) and "like" the team's official Facebook page (Pacific Women's Water Polo).
 
#PacificProud