BRIDGEPORT, Penn. - The UC San Diego men's water polo team is ranked No. 11 in the nation in the Collegiate Water Polo Association Preseason Poll, announced on Wednesday afternoon. The 2009 Tritons were ranked as high as No. 10 in the nation and had wins over seven ranked teams. UCSD advanced to the Western Water Polo Association championship game before falling to rival Loyola Marymount by one goal.

Goalie David Morton returns as UCSD's lone Association of Collegiate Water Polo Coaches All-American first-team selection. Morton recorded 296 saves in 2009, the second highest single-season total in school history.

The Tritons also return John Butler who was named to the WWPA All-Freshman team. Butler scored five goals with 13 assists in his first season on campus.

Bryce Madsen leads UCSD's returners with 37 goals scored and 20 assists in 2009.

UCSD begins the year on September 4-5 when it hosts the Triton Invitational. UCSD takes on Air Force, Loyola Marymount, Pacific and La Verne during the two-day tournament.

Other highlights on the schedule include the NorCal Tournament on September 18-19 in Berkeley, the Southern California Tournament on October 2-3 in Los Angeles and a homecoming showdown with Loyola Marymount on October 23 at Canyonview Pool.

The WWPA Tournament will be held November 19-21 at Santa Clara.